Formulation

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates a formulation and capsule suitable for oral administration. The invention further relates to the use of the formulation and capsule for treating inflammatory bowel diseases, for instance ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn&#39;s disease.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation application of U.S.application Ser. No. 17/052,435, filed on Nov. 2, 2020, which is a U.S.national phase application under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of InternationalApplication No. PCT/EP2019/061443, filed on May 3, 2019 and published asWO 2019/211466 A1 on Nov. 7, 2019, which claims priority to GBApplication No. 1807312.2, filed on May 3, 2018. The content of each ofthese related applications is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING

The present application includes a Sequence Listing in electronicformat. The Sequence Listing is provided as a file entitledSequence_Listing_63CZ-312121-US2, created Jan. 4, 2023, which is 5kilobytes in size. The information in the electronic format of theSequence Listing is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates a formulation and capsule suitable fororal administration. The invention further relates to the use of theformulation and capsule for treating inflammatory bowel diseases.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A number of inflammatory conditions may affect the intestines (smallintestine, colon and rectum). Inflammatory bowel disease is an exampleof such a condition. These conditions may be treated witholigonucleotides, in particular oligonucleotides containing a CpGdinucleotide. These oligonucleotides bind to receptors on cells such asimmune cells and/or epithelial cells thereby mediating the immuneresponse, and alleviating inflammation.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to a group of inflammatoryconditions of the colon and the small intestine. The major types of IBDare ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease. The main differencebetween UC and Crohn's disease is the location and nature of theinflammatory changes. Crohn's disease can affect any part of thegastrointestinal tract, from mouth to anus, while UC is most oftenrestricted to the colon and the rectum.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a disease characterized by chronicinflammation of the rectal and colonic mucosa, affecting the innermostlining in the first stage. The disease is recurrent, with both activeand inactive stages that differ in pathology, symptoms and treatment.The underlying cause of UC is not understood, nor is it known whattriggers the disease to recur between its inactive and active forms(Irvine, E. J. (2008) Inflamm Bowel Dis 14(4): 554-565). Symptoms ofactive UC include progressive loose stools with blood and increasedfrequency of bowel movements. Active mucosal inflammation is diagnosedby endoscopy.

The stools contain pus, mucous and blood and are often associated withabdominal cramping with urgency to evacuate (tenesmi). Diarrhoea mayhave an insidious onset or, more rarely, start quite suddenly. In severecases the symptoms may include fever and general malaise. In severestages, deep inflammation of the bowel wall may develop with abdominaltenderness, tachycardia, fever and risk of bowel perforation.Furthermore, patients with UC may suffer extra intestinal manifestationssuch as arthralgia and arthritis, erythema nodosum, pyoderma gangrenosumand inflammation in the eyes. In the case of remission or inactive UC,patients are usually free of bowel symptoms.

The extent of inflamed and damaged mucosa differs among patients withUC. UC that affects only the rectum is termed ulcerative proctitis. Thecondition is referred to as distal or left sided colitis wheninflammatory changes are present in the left side of the colon up to thesplenic flexure. In extensive UC the transverse colon is also affected,and pancolitis designates a disease involving the entire colon.

Active mucosal inflammation is diagnosed by endoscopy and ischaracterized by a loss of vascular patterning, oedema, petechia,spontaneous bleeding and fibrinous exudates. The endoscopic picture isthat of continuous inflammation, starting in the rectum and extendingproximally to a variable extent into the colon. Biopsies obtained atendoscopy and subjected to histological examination help to diagnose thecondition. Infectious causes, including Clostridium difficile,camphylobacter, Salmonella and Shigella, may mimic UC and can beexcluded by stool cultures.

The treatment of patients with active UC aims to reduce inflammation andpromote colon healing and mucosal recovery. In milder cases the diseasemay be controlled with conventional drugs including sulphasalazine,5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) (Sutherland, L., F. Martin, S. Greer, M.Robinson, N. Greenberger, F. Saibil, T. Martin, J. Span, E. Prokipchukand L. Borgn (1987) Gastroenterology 92: 1894-1898) andglucocorticosteroids (GCS) (Domenech, E., M. Manosa and E. Cabre (2014).Dig Dis 32(4): 320-327).

GCS are generally used to treat disease flare-ups, but there aresignificant side effects in long-term use, and the possible developmentof steroid dependent disease. Glucocorticoid drugs act non-selectively,so in the long run they may impair many healthy anabolic processes(Prantera, C. and S. Marconi (2013) Therap Adv Gastroenterol 6(2):137-156).

For patients who become refractory to GCS and suffer from severe ormoderately severe attacks of UC, the addition of immunomodulatory agentssuch as cyclosporine, 6-mercaptopurine and azathioprine may be used.However, immunomodulators are slow-acting and the induction of remissionin these patients is often temporary (Khan, K. J., M. C. Dubinsky, A. C.Ford, T. A. Ullman, N. J. Talley and P. Moayyedi (2011) Am JGastroenterol 106(4): 630-642).

Further treatment options for UC include biologic agents (Fausel, R. andA. Afzali (2015) Ther Clin Risk Manag 11: 63-73). The three TNF-αinhibitors currently approved for the treatment of moderate to severe UCare infliximab, adalimumab, and golimumab. All three carry potentialrisks associated with their use, and should be avoided in certainpatients, e.g. those with uncontrolled infections, advanced heartfailure, neurologic conditions and in patients with a history ofmalignancy, due to a potential risk of accelerating the growth of atumour. Other potential adverse effects of TNF-α inhibitor therapyinclude neutropenia, hepatotoxicity, serum sickness, leukocytoclasticvasculitis, rash including psoriasiform rash, induction of autoimmunity,and injection or infusion site reactions, including anaphylaxis,convulsions, and hypotension.

All three TNF-α inhibitor agents and their related biosimilar/derivativecounterparts may be used to induce and maintain clinical response andremission in patients with UC. Combination therapy with azathioprine isalso used for inducing remission. However, more than 50% of patientsreceiving TNF-α inhibitor agents fail to respond to induction dosing, orlose response to the TNF-α inhibitor agents over time (Fausel, R. and A.Afzali (2015) Ther Clin Risk Manag 11: 63-73).

Vedolizumab, a α4β7 integrin inhibitor, was recently approved for thetreatment of UC. In the GEMINI 1 trial, vedolizumab was found to be moreeffective than placebo for inducing and maintaining clinical response,clinical remission, and mucosal healing (Feagan, B. G., P. Rutgeerts, B.E. Sands, S. Hanauer, J. F. Colombel, W. J. Sandborn, G. Van Assche, J.Axler, H. J. Kim, S. Danese, I. Fox, C. Milch, S. Sankoh, T. Wyant, J.Xu, A. Parikh and G. S. Group (2013). “Vedolizumab as induction andmaintenance therapy for ulcerative colitis.” N Engl J Med 369(8):699-710.). Further treatment options for ulcerative colitis include JAKinhibitors, such as tofacitinib.

Ulcerative colitis patients, who are chronically active and refractoryto known treatments pose a serious medical challenge and often the onlyremaining course of action is colectomy. A total colectomy is apotentially curative option in severe UC, but is a life-changingoperation that entails risks as complications, such as pouch failure,pouchitis, pelvic sepsis, infertility in women, and nocturnal faecalsoiling, may follow. Therefore, surgery is usually reserved for patientswith severe refractory disease, surgical or other emergencies, orpatients with colorectal dysplasia or cancer.

An emergent third line treatment for UC is cobitolimod(Kappaproct/DIMS0150), a modified single strand deoxyribonucleic acid(DNA)-based synthetic oligonucleotide of 19 bases in length. Cobitolimodhas the sequence 5′-G*G*A*ACAGTTCGTCCAT*G*G*C-3′ (SEQ ID NO:1), whereinthe CG dinucleotide is unmethylated. An asterisk (*) represents aphosphorothioate modification.

Cobitolimod functions as an immunomodulatory agent by targeting theToll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) present in immune cells or on the surface ofintestinal epithelial cells. These immune cells i.e., B-cells andplasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDCs) reside in high abundance in mucosalsurfaces, such as colonic and nasal mucosa. The immune system is the keymediator of the changes of UC. The mucosa of the colon and rectum ofpatients with UC is chronically inflamed and contains active immunecells.

Cobitolimod may be topically administered in the region of inflammation,which places the drug in close contact with a high number of intendedtarget cells, ensuring that the drug will reach an area rich in TLR9expressing cells. The activation of these cells by cobitolimod inducesvarious cytokines, such as type I interferons and interleukin 10 (IL-10)which are classical anti-inflammatory cytokines and are believed to beimportant factors for the clinical effect of cobitolimod.

A range of non-clinical safety studies have been conducted withcobitolimod, as well as four clinical trials. The majority of the trialshave involved administration of a relatively low (30 mg) dose ofcobitolimod. Overall, data on cobitolimod support a positivebenefit-risk assessment for patients with chronic active UC. Cobitolimodis safe and well tolerated and has been shown to be effective to induceclinical response and remission in patients with chronic active UC, aswell as symptomatic and endoscopic remission in patients with treatmentrefractory, moderate to severe chronic active UC.

Present treatments using cobitolimod involve topical administration, forinstance intracolonically as a rectal enema. Alternatively, cobitolimodmay be administered during colonoscopy with the aid of a sprayingcatheter, or other suitable medical equipment, inserted though thecolonoscopies biopsy channel. Rectal administration of cobitolimoddirectly to the site of the inflammation can require medicalprofessionals, and therefore may present problems for patientcompliance. Consequently a need exists for a formulation of cobitolimodsuitable for oral administration, which is generally easier for patientsto self-administer.

During the course of treatment, it is important for oral administrationthat the CpG-containing oligonucleotide, for example cobitolimod, is notreleased prematurely, e.g. in the mouth or stomach where it will havelittle effect on the area affected by inflammatory bowel disease. Inother words, such a formulation must maximise topical exposure to theCpG-containing oligonucleotide at the relevant point in thegastrointestinal tract, for example in the ileum or in the colon.Therefore a suitable formulation should prevent release of the CpGcontaining oligonucleotide until the desired point in the digestivesystem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It has now surprisingly been found that a formulation suitable for oraladministration may be provided, the formulation comprising (i) anoligonucleotide containing a CpG dinucleotide and having 6 to 40nucleotides, and (ii) esters which are monoesters and/or diesters ofpropylene glycol with caprylic acid or monoesters and/or diesters ofglycerol with caprylic acid.

Preferably, the oligonucleotide comprises the sequence

(SEQ ID NO: 2) 5′-GGAACAGTTCGTCCATGGC-3′.

This is based on the unexpected finding that esters which are monoestersand/or diesters of propylene glycol with caprylic acid or monoestersand/or diesters of glycerol with caprylic acid, for example propyleneglycol caprylate esters, show high chemical compatibility with theoligonucleotides above as well as giving a formulation gooddispersibility and minimal degradation over time. A large number ofdifferent carriers were tested and propylene glycol caprylate esterswere found to provide the least degradation over time whilst alsoshowing no alteration in dispersion characteristics. Further, thiscarrier is also able to release the oligonucleotide relatively quicklyonce the formulation is present in the desired area of the body.

The invention further provides a capsule suitable for oraladministration, said capsule comprising:

-   -   a) a gelatin container, and within the container    -   b) a formulation as defined above.

The capsule according may further comprise

-   -   c) a coating on the exterior surface of the container.

The presence of a coating allows the point at which the oligonucleotideis released within the body to be determined, for example based on thepH at a particular environment within the digestive system. In this way,the capsule does not release the oligonucleotide at a point where itwill be ineffective for treating inflammatory bowel disease. Theoligonucleotide is thereby targeted to the site of inflammation, usuallythe colon, to provide the most effective treatment.

The invention provides the formulation or capsule above for use in thetreatment of an inflammatory bowel disease, in particular ulcerativecolitis or Crohn's disease.

The invention also provides a method of treating inflammatory boweldisease in a subject, the method comprising orally administering to saidsubject a formulation or capsule as defined herein.

The invention also provides the use of a formulation or a capsule asdefined herein for the manufacture of a medicament for treatment ofinflammatory bowel disease.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a chromatogram comparing the cobitolimod standard to the 5binary mixes prepared with different excipients (Capryol, Sterotex,Gelucire, PEG 1500 and Geleol) at the initial time point.

FIG. 2 shows a chromatogram comparing the cobitolimod standard to the 5binary mixes with different excipients (Capryol, Sterotex, Gelucire, PEG1500 and Geleol) at the 4 week time point.

FIG. 3 shows the dissolution testing of uncoated and coated capsules.

FIG. 4 shows the content uniformity results at start, middle and end ofmanufacturing of the capsules in Example 5.

FIG. 5 shows the results of initial dissolution of coated capsulescobitolimod prepared in Example 5.

FIG. 6 shows the results of release experiments (dissolution testing)for the capsules of Example 5 at the outset (dotted line), followingstorage at 25° C./60% relative humidity for one month (dashed line) andfollowing storage at 25° C./60% relative humidity for six months (solidline).

FIG. 7 shows the results of release experiments (dissolution testing)for the capsules of Example 5 at the outset (dotted line), followingstorage at 40° C./75% relative humidity for one month (dashed line) andfollowing storage at 40° C./75% relative humidity for six months (solidline).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

All patents, patent applications, and publications cited herein arehereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

The present invention provides a formulation suitable for oraladministration comprising an oligonucleotide containing a CpGdinucleotide and having 6 to 40 nucleotides, preferably anoligonucleotide comprising the sequence 5′-GGAACAGTTCGTCCATGGC-3′ (SEQID NO:2), and propylene glycol caprylate esters.

As used herein, the term “oligonucleotide” refers to a polynucleosideformed from a plurality of linked individual nucleoside units. Sucholigonucleotides can be obtained from existing nucleic acid sources,including genomic DNA or cDNA, plasmids, vectors, or bacterial DNA, butare preferably produced by synthetic methods. The nucleoside residuescan be coupled to each other by any of the numerous knowninternucleoside linkages. Such internucleoside linkages include, withoutlimitation, the natural internucleoside phosphodiester bond or indeedmodified internucleosides such as, but not limited to, phosphorothioate,phosphorodithioate, alkylphosphonate, alkylphosphonothioate,phosphotriester, phosphoramidate, siloxane, carbonate, carboalkoxy,acetamidate, carbamate, morpholino, borano, thioether, bridgedphosphoramidate, bridged methylene phosphonate, bridgedphosphorothioate, and sulfone internucleoside linkages. The term“oligonucleotide” also encompasses polynucleosides having one or morestereospecific internucleoside linkages (e. g., (Rp)- or(Sp)-phosphorothioate, alkylphosphonate, or phosphotriester linkages).As used herein, the terms “oligonucleotide” and “dinucleotide” areexpressly intended to include polynucleosides and dinucleosides havingany such internucleoside linkage, whether or not the linkage comprises aphosphate group. In certain preferred embodiments, these internucleosidelinkages may be phosphodiester, phosphorothioate, or phosphorodithioatelinkages, or combinations thereof.

The term “oligonucleotide” also encompasses polynucleosides havingadditional substituents including, without limitation, protein groups,lipophilic groups, intercalating agents, diamines, folic acid,cholesterol and adamantane. The term “oligonucleotide” also encompassesany other nucleobase containing polymer, including, without limitation,peptide nucleic acids (PNA), peptide nucleic acids with phosphate groups(PHONA), locked nucleic acids (LNA), morpholino-backboneoligonucleotides, and oligonucleotides having backbone sections withalkyl linkers or amino linkers. The alkyl linker may be branched orunbranched, substituted or unsubstituted, and chirally pure or a racemicmixture.

The oligonucleotides of the invention can include naturally occurringnucleosides, modified nucleosides, or mixtures thereof. As used herein,the term “modified nucleoside” is a nucleoside that includes a modifiedheterocyclic base, a modified sugar moiety, or a combination thereof.The modified nucleoside may be a non-natural pyrimidine or purinenucleoside, as herein described. The modified nucleoside may be a2′-substituted ribonucleoside, an arabinonucleoside or a2′-deoxy-2′-substituted-arabinoside.

As used herein, the term “a hybrid oligonucleotide” is anoligonucleotide having more than one type of nucleoside.

Herein, the term “oligonucleotide” includes hybrid and chimericoligonucleotides. A “chimeric oligonucleotide” is an oligonucleotidehaving more than one type of internucleoside linkage within its sequencestructure. One preferred example of such a chimeric oligonucleotide is achimeric oligonucleotide comprising a phosphorothioate, phosphodiesteror phosphorodithioate region and non-ionic linkages such asalkylphosphonate or alkylphosphonothioate linkages (U.S. Pat. Nos.5,635,377 and 5,366,878).

Herein, the term “oligonucleotide” also includes circularized variantsand circular oligonucleotides.

Preferably, the oligonucleotide comprises at least one naturallyoccurring phosphodiester, or one modified phosphorothioate, orphosphorodithioate internucleoside linkage, however preferred linkagesor indeed backbone modifications including, without limitation,methylphosphonates, methylphosphonothioates, phosphotriesters,phosphothiotriesters, phosphorothioates, phosphorodithioates, triesterprodrugs, sulfones, sulfonamides, sulfamates, formacetal,N-methylhydroxylamine, 2′ OMe (OxyMethyl group at 2′position),carbonate, carbamate, morpholino, boranophosphonate, phosphoramidates,especially primary amino-phosphoramidates, N3 phosphoramidates and N5phosphoramidates, and stereospecific linkages (e. g., (Rp)- or(Sp)-phosphorothioate, alkylphosphonate, or phosphotriester linkages)are also envisaged.

The sugar moiety of the nucleoside can be a non-naturally occurringsugar moiety. Herein, a “naturally occurring sugar moiety” is a sugarmoiety that occurs naturally as part of a nucleic acid, e. g., riboseand 2′-deoxyribose, and a “non-naturally occurring sugar moiety” is anysugar that does not occur naturally as part of a nucleic acid, but whichcan be used in the backbone for an oligonucleotide, for example but notlimited to hexose. Arabinose and arabinose derivatives are examples ofpreferred sugar moieties.

Modified or substituted oligonucleotides are often preferred over nativeforms because of desirable properties such as, for example, enhancedcellular uptake, enhanced affinity for nucleic acid target and increasedstability in the presence of nucleases. An oligonucleotide is usuallycomprised of more than ten (10) and up to one hundred (100) or moredeoxyribonucleotides or ribonucelotides, although preferably betweenabout six (6) and forty (40), most preferably between about eight (8)and about twenty (20). The exact size will depend on many factors, whichin turn depends on the ultimate function or use of the oligonucleotide.The oligonucleotide may be generated in any manner, including chemicalsynthesis, DNA replication, reverse transcription, or a combinationthereof.

A CpG dinucleotide is a cytosine triphosphate deoxynucleotide (i.e. “C”)joined to a guanine triphosphate deoxynucleotide (i.e. “G”) by aphosphodiester bond (i.e. “p”). The C and G moieties with the CpGdinucleotide are orientated such that the C moiety is closer to the5′-end of the oligonucleotide and the G moiety is closer to 3′-end ofthe oligonucleotide. A CpG dinucleotide is also known as a “CpG motif”or a “CG dinucleotide”. The CpG dinucleotide may be methylated orunmethylated, but is preferably unmethylated.

In one aspect of the present invention the oligonucleotide is anoligonucleotide having the sequence 5′-Xm-CG-Yn-3′, wherein X is A, T, Cor G, Y is A, T, C, or G, m is 0-38, n is 0-38, provided that the totallength of the oligonucleotide is between 6 and 40 nucleotides.

Typically, in the oligonucleotide having the sequence above(5′-Xm-CG-Yn-3′) m is 0-35 and n is 0-35, m is 0-30 and n is 0-30, m is0-25 and n is 0-25, m is 0-20 and n is 0-20, m is 0-15 and n is 0-15, mis 0-12 and n is 0-12, m is 0-10 and n is 0-10, m is 0-8 and n is 0-8, mis 0-6 and n is 0-6, or m is 0-4 and n is 0-4, provided that the totallength of the oligonucleotide is between 6 and 40 nucleotides.

Preferably, the oligonucleotide having the sequence above(5′-Xm-CG-Yn-3′) m is 1-35 and n is 1-35, m is 1-30 and n is 1-30, m is1-25 and n is 1-25, m is 1-20 and n is 1-20, m is 1-15 and n is 1-15, mis 1-12 and n is 1-12, m is 1-10 and n is 1-10, m is 1-8 and n is 1-8, mis 1-6 and n is 1-6, or m is 1˜4 and n is 1-4, provided that the totallength of the oligonucleotide is between 6 and 40 nucleotides.

More preferably, the oligonucleotide having the sequence above(5′-Xm-CG-Yn-3′) m is 2-35 and n is 2-35, m is 2-30 and n is 2-30, m is2-25 and n is 2-25, m is 2-20 and n is 2-20, m is 2-15 and n is 2-15, mis 2-12 and n is 2-12, m is 2-10 and n is 2-10, m is 2-8 and n is 2-8, mis 2-6 and n is 2-6, m is 2-4 and n is 2-4 or m is 2 and n is 2,provided that the total length of the oligonucleotide is between 6 and40 nucleotides.

Typically, at least one CG dinucleotide in the oligonucleotide isunmethylated.

The oligonucleotide may therefore have the sequence5′-GGAACAGTTCGTCCATGGC-3′ (SEQ ID NO:2), wherein the CG dinucleotide isunmethylated. Alternatively, the oligonucleotide may have the sequence5′-GGAACAGTTCGTCCATGGC-3′ (SEQ ID NO:2), wherein the CG dinucleotide ismethylated, preferably wherein the CG dinucleotide is methylated on theribose unit of one or both nucleotides.

Typically, at least one nucleotide in said oligonucleotide has abackbone modification. Said backbone modification may be located in the5′- and/or the 3′-end of said oligonucleotide.

Typically, the phosphate backbone modification may occur on the 5′inter-nucleotide linkages, or on the 3′ inter-nucleotide linkages. Themodification may occur at one or more nucleotides at any position alongthe entire length of said oligonucleotide.

Typically, at least one nucleotide in said oligonucleotide has aphosphate backbone modification. The backbone modification is typicallya phosphorothioate or a phosphorodithioate modification.

The oligonucleotide may comprise at least one modified sugar moietynucleobase. The modified sugar moiety may be a 2′-O-methoxyethyl sugarmoiety.

Phosphorothioate linkages can be illustrated with asterisks (*) in asequence, e.g. in the sequence: 5′-G*G*A*ACAGTTCGTCCAT*G*G*C-3′ (SEQ IDNO:1), wherein the CG dinucleotide is unmethylated.

Preferably, said oligonucleotide has the sequence5′-G*G*A*ACAGTTCGTCCAT*G*G*C-3′ (SEQ ID NO:1), wherein the CGdinucleotide is unmethylated. Thus, preferably said oligonucleotide iscobitolimod. The formulation may comprise, consist essentially of orconsist of an oligonucleotide containing a CpG dinucleotide and having 6to 40 nucleotides, preferably an oligonucleotide comprising SEQ ID NO:2,more preferably cobitolimod, and esters which are monoesters and/ordiesters of propylene glycol with caprylic acid or monoesters and/ordiesters of glycerol with caprylic acidpropylene glycol caprylateesters.

The oligonucleotide containing a CpG dinucleotide and having 6 to 40nucleotides, preferably an oligonucleotide comprising SEQ ID NO:2, morepreferably cobitolimod, may be present in an amount of between 1 and 50%by weight of the formulation, or between 2 and 40% by weight, or between3 and 30%, or between 4 and 25%, between 5 and 20%, between 10 and 15%or between 11 and 14% cobitolimod by weight. The oligonucleotidecontaining a CpG dinucleotide and having 6 to 40 nucleotides, preferablyan oligonucleotide comprising SEQ ID NO:2, more preferably cobitolimod,may be present in the formulation in an amount of about 5% by weight,about 6% by weight, about 7% by weight, about 8% by weight, about 9% byweight, about 10% by weight, about 11% by weight, 11.5% by weight, about12% by weight, about 13% by weight, about 14% by weight or about 15% byweight.

The esters used in the compositions of the present invention aremonoesters and/or diesters of propylene glycol (also known aspropane-1,2-diol) with caprylic acid, or monoesters and/or diesters ofglycerol (also known as propane-1,2,3-triol) with caprylic acid.Capyrlic acid is also known as octanoic acid. Thus, the esters are (i)propylene glycol monocaprylate and/or propylene glycol dicaprylate, or(ii) glycerol monocaprylate and/or glycerol dicaprylate.

In the monoester of propylene glycol with caprylic acid, the ester linkmay be at the 1 position on propylene glycol (2-hyroxypropyl octanoate).In the monoester of propylene glycol with caprylic acid, the ester linkmay be at the 2 position on propylene glycol (1-hydroxypropan-2-yloctanoate).

Typically, the esters used in the invention are monoester and/ordiesters of propylene glycol (i.e. propylene glycol monocaprylate [themonoesters of propylene glycol and caprylic acid] and/or propyleneglycol dicaprylate [the diester of propylene glycol and caprylic acid]).Thus, it is preferred that the esters are propylene glycol caprylateesters.

The esters may comprise, consist essentially or consist of propyleneglycol monocaprylate. Alternatively, the esters may comprise, consistessentially or consist of propylene glycol dicaprylate.

However, it is particularly preferred that the esters comprise acombination of both propylene glycol monocaprylate and propylene glycoldicaprylate. Typically, the esters comprise 10 to 90% by weightpropylene glycol monocaprylate and 10 to 90% by weight propylene glycoldicaprylate relative to the total weight of esters. Preferably, theesters comprise between 55 and 80% by weight propylene glycolmonocaprylate and between 20 and 45% by weight propylene glycoldicaprylate, relative to the total weight of esters. More preferably,the esters comprise between 60 and 70% by weight propylene glycolmonocaprylate and between 30 and 40% by weight propylene glycoldicaprylate, relative to the total weight of esters.

The esters may be present in the formulation in an amount of from 50 to99%, or from 60 to 98%, or from 70 to 97%, or from 75 to 96%, or from 80to 95%, or from 80 to 90%, or from 85 to 90% by weight of theformulation. For instance, the esters may be present in an amount ofabout 95%, about 94%, about 93%, about 92%, about 91%, about 90%, about89%, about 88%, about 87%, about 86%, about 85%, about 84%, about 83% orabout 82% by weight of the formulation.

The formulation may comprise 1 to 50% by weight of an oligonucleotidecontaining a CpG dinucleotide and having 6 to 40 nucleotides, preferablyan oligonucleotide comprising SEQ ID NO:2, more preferably cobitolimod,and 50 to 99% by weight esters as herein defined. The formulation maycomprise 2 to 40% by weight of an oligonucleotide containing a CpGdinucleotide and having 6 to 40 nucleotides, preferably anoligonucleotide comprising SEQ ID NO:2, more preferably cobitolimod, and60 to 98% by weight esters as herein defined. The formulation maycomprise 3 to 30% by weight of an oligonucleotide containing a CpGdinucleotide and having 6 to 40 nucleotides, preferably anoligonucleotide comprising SEQ ID NO:2, more preferably cobitolimod, and70 to 97% by weight esters as herein defined. The formulation maycomprise 4 to 25% by weight of an oligonucleotide containing a CpGdinucleotide and having 6 to 40 nucleotides, preferably anoligonucleotide comprising SEQ ID NO:2, more preferably cobitolimod, and75 to 96% by weight esters as herein defined. The formulation maycomprise 5 to 20% by weight of an oligonucleotide containing a CpGdinucleotide and having 6 to 40 nucleotides, preferably anoligonucleotide comprising SEQ ID NO:2, more preferably cobitolimod, and80 to 95% by weight esters as herein defined. The formulation maycomprise 10 to 15% by weight of an oligonucleotide containing a CpGdinucleotide and having 6 to 40 nucleotides, preferably anoligonucleotide comprising SEQ ID NO:2, more preferably cobitolimod, and85 to 90% by weight esters as herein defined. The formulation maycomprise or 11 to 14% by weight of an oligonucleotide containing a CpGdinucleotide and having 6 to 40 nucleotides, preferably anoligonucleotide comprising SEQ ID NO:2, more preferably cobitolimod, and86 to 89% by weight esters as herein defined.

The formulation may comprise about 13% by weight of an oligonucleotidecontaining a CpG dinucleotide and having 6 to 40 nucleotides, preferablyan oligonucleotide comprising SEQ ID NO:2, more preferably cobitolimod,and 87% by weight esters as herein defined. The formulation may compriseabout 14% by weight of an oligonucleotide containing a CpG dinucleotideand having 6 to 40 nucleotides, preferably an oligonucleotide comprisingSEQ ID NO:2, more preferably cobitolimod, and 86% by weight esters asherein defined.

The formulation of the present invention preferably comprises 11 to 14%by weight of an oligonucleotide containing a CpG dinucleotide and having6 to 40 nucleotides, preferably an oligonucleotide comprising SEQ IDNO:2, more preferably cobitolimod, and 86 to 89% by weight esters asherein defined.

A commercially available example of suitable ester comprising acombination of both propylene glycol monocaprylate and propylene glycoldicaprylate is Capryol PGMC manufactured by Gattefossé.

The formulation may further comprise a gelling agent. The gelling agentmay be hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC).

The formulation may comprise, consist essentially of or consist of anoligonucleotide containing a CpG dinucleotide and having 6 to 40nucleotides, preferably an oligonucleotide comprising SEQ ID NO:2, morepreferably cobitolimod, esters as herein defined and the gelling agent.

A commercially available example of a suitable high viscosity HPMCgelling agent is Methocel K100M manufactured by Dow Pharma Solutions.

The gelling agent may be present in the formulation an amount of from 1to 20% by weight, or from 2 to 15% by weight, from 3 to 10% by weight orfrom about 4 to 8% by weight. For example, the gelling agent may bepresent in an amount of from about 4 to 5% by weight, for example about5% by weight. Addition of a gelling agent, for example HPMC, increasesrelease time whilst still providing a workable product.

For instance, the formulation may comprise 5 to 20% by weight of anoligonucleotide containing a CpG dinucleotide and having 6 to 40nucleotides, preferably an oligonucleotide comprising SEQ ID NO:2, morepreferably cobitolimod, 1 to 10% by weight HPMC and 70 to 94% by weightesters as herein defined. The formulation may comprise 10 to 15% byweight of an oligonucleotide containing a CpG dinucleotide and having 6to 40 nucleotides, preferably an oligonucleotide comprising SEQ ID NO:2,more preferably cobitolimod, 3 to 7% by weight HPMC and 78 to 87% byweight esters as herein defined. The formulation may comprise about11.5% by weight of an oligonucleotide containing a CpG dinucleotide andhaving 6 to 40 nucleotides, preferably an oligonucleotide comprising SEQID NO:2, more preferably cobitolimod, about 5% by weight HPMC and about83.5% by weight propylene glycol caprylate esters.

The formulation may further comprise an antioxidant. A suitableantioxidant is butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). The formulation maycomprise, consist essentially of or consist of an oligonucleotidecontaining a CpG dinucleotide and having 6 to 40 nucleotides, preferablyan oligonucleotide comprising SEQ ID NO:2, more preferably cobitolimod,esters as herein defined, a gelling agent and an antioxidant. Thegelling agent may be HPMC. Therefore, the formulation may comprise,consist essentially of or consist of an oligonucleotide containing a CpGdinucleotide and having 6 to 40 nucleotides, preferably anoligonucleotide comprising SEQ ID NO:2, more preferably cobitolimod,esters as herein defined, HPMC and butylated hydroxytolune. Including anantioxidant helps to improve chemical stability of the base formulationover time.

The antioxidant may be present in the formulation an amount of 0.01 to2% by weight, 0.05 to 1% by weight, 0.075 to 0.5% by weight or about0.1% by weight.

For example, the formulation may comprise from 5 to 20% by weight of anoligonucleotide containing a CpG dinucleotide and having 6 to 40nucleotides, preferably an oligonucleotide comprising SEQ ID NO:2, morepreferably cobitolimod, from 1 to 20% by weight HPMC, from 0.01 to 2% byweight butylated hydroxytolune and from 58 to 94% esters as hereindefined. The formulation may comprise from 10 to 15% by weight of anoligonucleotide containing a CpG dinucleotide and having 6 to 40nucleotides, preferably an oligonucleotide comprising SEQ ID NO:2, morepreferably cobitolimod, from 3 to 10% by weight HPMC, from 0.075 to 0.5%by weight butylated hydroxytolune and from 75 to 87% esters as hereindefined.

The formulation may comprise about 11.5% by weight of an oligonucleotidecontaining a CpG dinucleotide and having 6 to 40 nucleotides, preferablyan oligonucleotide comprising SEQ ID NO:2, more preferably cobitolimod,about 5% HPMC by weight, about 83.5% propylene glycol caprylate estersby weight and about 0.1% butylated hydroxytoluene by weight.

The formulation may further comprise a pH buffer. Thus, the formulationmay comprise, consist essentially of or consist of an oligonucleotidecontaining a CpG dinucleotide and having 6 to 40 nucleotides, preferablyan oligonucleotide comprising SEQ ID NO:2, more preferably cobitolimod,esters as herein defined, a gelling agent, an antioxidant and a pHbuffer. Including a pH buffer helps to improve chemical stability of thebase formulation over time.

The pH buffer may be tromethamine. The gelling agent may be a highmolecular weight HPMC such as Methocel K100M. The antioxidant may bebutylated hydroxytoluene. Therefore, the formulation may comprise,consist essentially of or consist of an oligonucleotide containing a CpGdinucleotide and having 6 to 40 nucleotides, preferably anoligonucleotide comprising SEQ ID NO:2, more preferably cobitolimod,esters as herein defined, HPMC, butylated hydroxytolune andtromethamine.

The pH buffer may be present in the formulation an amount of 0.05 to 5%by weight, from 0.1 to 4% by weight, from 0.1 to 3% by weight, from 0.1to 2% by weight or from 0.1 to 1% by weight. The pH buffer may bepresent in the formulation in an amount from 0.1 to 0.5% by weight. ThepH buffer may be present in the formulation in an amount of about 0.1%by weight, 0.2% by weight, 0.3% by weight or 0.4% by weight.

For example, the formulation may comprise from 5 to 20% by weight of anoligonucleotide containing a CpG dinucleotide and having 6 to 40nucleotides, preferably an oligonucleotide comprising SEQ ID NO:2, morepreferably cobitolimod, from 1 to 20% by weight HPMC, from 0.01 to 2% byweight butylated hydroxytoluene, from 0.05 to 5% by weight tromethamineand from 53 to 94% esters as herein defined. The formulation maycomprise from 10 to 15% by weight of an oligonucleotide containing a CpGdinucleotide and having 6 to 40 nucleotides, preferably anoligonucleotide comprising SEQ ID NO:2, more preferably cobitolimod,from 3 to 10% by weight HPMC, from 0.075 to 0.5% by weight butylatedhydroxytolune, from 0.1 to 1% by weight tromethamine and from 75 to 87%esters as herein defined. For example, the formulation may compriseabout 11.5% by weight of an oligonucleotide containing a CpGdinucleotide and having 6 to 40 nucleotides, preferably anoligonucleotide comprising SEQ ID NO:2, more preferably cobitolimod,about 4.5% by weight HPMC, about 83.7% by weight propylene glycolcaprylate esters, about 0.1% by weight butylated hydroxytoluene andabout 0.2% by weight tromethamine.

The present invention also includes a capsule suitable for oraladministration, said capsule comprising:

-   -   a) a gelatin container, and within the container    -   b) a formulation as defined above.

The capsule may further comprise:

-   -   c) a coating on the exterior surface of the container.

Typically, the coating comprises a first polymer and/or a secondpolymer.

The first polymer is typically a low pH polymer and the second polymeris typically a high pH polymer. The first polymer typically dissolves inphosphate buffer solution at a pH of greater than or equal to pH 4.5,and below pH 7, and the second polymer typically dissolves in phosphatebuffer solution at a pH of greater than or equal to 6.8.

The first polymer is typically a low pH polymer i.e. a polymer thatdissolves in phosphate buffer solution at pH of greater than or equal to4.5 and below 7. The first polymer only begins to dissolve ordisintegrate when the dosage form has exited the stomach and entered thesmall intestine.

More preferably, the first polymer dissolves at a pH of greater than orequal to 5, and even more preferably greater than 5.5. The first polymeris fully dissolved in phosphate buffer solution at a pH of less than pH7, more preferably less than pH 6.8. By “dissolves at a pH of greaterthan X” means that the polymer does not dissolve and is solid below pHX, and dissolves or disintegrates at a pH of greater than X. By“dissolves at a pH of greater than X and less than Y” means that thepolymer does not dissolve and is solid below pH X, and dissolves ordisintegrates at a pH of greater than X, and is fully dissolved ordisintegrated at a pH of Y or less than Y.

The second polymer is typically a high pH polymer i.e. a polymer thatdissolves in a phosphate buffer solution at pH of greater than 6.8. Thesecond polymer therefore only begins to dissolve, if at all, when thedosage form has reached the distal intestinal region. More preferably,the second polymer dissolves at a pH of greater than or equal to 7.0, ormay dissolve at a pH of greater than 7.2.

Typically, the coating comprises the first polymer in an amount of from15% to 50% by weight of the coating on a dry coating basis. Typically,the coating comprises the second polymer in an amount of from 15% to 50%by weight of the coating on a dry coating basis.

The first polymer may be poly(methacrylic acid-co-ethyl acrylate) 1:1.The first polymer may be soluble above pH 5.5, i.e. the first polymerdissolves above pH 5.5. The first polymer may have a glass transitiontemperature between 91 and 101° C. The first polymer may have amolecular weight of between 250,000 and 500,000 g/mol, or between275,000 and 400,000 g/mol, or between 300,000 and 350,000 g/mol,preferably about 320,000 g/mol.

For example, the first polymer may be poly(methacrylic acid-co-ethylacrylate) 1:1 which is soluble above pH 5.5, and which has a glasstransition temperature between 91 and 101° C. and has a molecular weightof about 320,000 g/mol.

A commercial example of a polymer suitable as the first polymer isEudragit® L 30 D-55 Copolymer manufactured by Evonik.

The second polymer may be poly(methyl acrylate-co-methylmethacrylate-co-methacrylic acid) 7:3:1.

The second polymer may be soluble above pH 7, i.e. the first polymerdissolves above pH 7. The second polymer may have a glass transitiontemperature between 38 and 48° C. The second polymer may have amolecular weight of between 150,000 and 400,000 g/mol, or between200,000 and 350,000 g/mol, or between 250,000 and 300,000 g/mol,preferably about 280,000 g/mol.

For example, the second polymer may be poly(methyl acrylate-co-methylmethacrylate-co-methacrylic acid) 7:3:1 which is soluble above pH 7, andwhich has a glass transition temperature between 38 and 48° C. and has amolecular weight of about 280,000 g/mol.

A commercial example of a polymer suitable as the second polymer isEudragit® FS 30D Copolymer manufactured by Evonik.

Therefore typically the coating may comprise both poly(methacrylicacid-co-ethyl acrylate) 1:1 as the first polymer and poly(methylacrylate-co-methyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid) 7:3:1 as the secondpolymer.

The poly(methacrylic acid-co-ethyl acrylate) 1:1 and poly(methylacrylate-co-methyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid) 7:3:1 may bepresent in a weight ratio of from 5:1 to 1:5, or from 2:1 to 1:4, orfrom 1:1 to 1:3. The weight ratio of poly(methacrylic acid-co-ethylacrylate) 1:1 and poly(methyl acrylate-co-methylmethacrylate-co-methacrylic acid) 7:3:1 may be about 1:1, about 1:2 orabout 1:3.

Typically, the coating may comprise a first polymer which is solubleabove pH 5.5 and a second polymer which is soluble above pH 7. The firstpolymer may have a glass transition temperature between 91 and 101° C.and the second polymer may have a glass transition temperature between38 and 48° C.

The first polymer may have a molecular weight of from 250,000 to 500,000g/mol and the second polymer may have a molecular weight of from 150,000to 400,000 g/mol. The first polymer may have a molecular weight of from275,000 to 400,000 g/mol and the second polymer may have a molecularweight of from 200,000 to 350,000 g/mol. The first polymer may have amolecular weight of from 300,000 to 350,000 g/mol and the second polymermay have a molecular weight of from 250,000 to 300,000 g/mol.Preferably, the first polymer has a molecular weight of about 320,000g/mol and the second polymer has a molecular weight of about 280,000g/mol.

For example, the coating may comprise a first polymer which ispoly(methacrylic acid-co-ethyl acrylate) 1:1, and is soluble above pH5.5, and has a glass transition temperature between 91 and 101° C. andhas a molecular weight of about 320,000 g/mol and a second polymer whichis poly(methyl acrylate-co-methyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid)7:3:1 and is soluble above pH 7, and has a glass transition temperaturebetween 38 and 48° C. and has a molecular weight of about 280,000 g/molin a weight ratio of about 1:1.

For example, the coating may comprise a first polymer which ispoly(methacrylic acid-co-ethyl acrylate) 1:1, and is soluble above pH5.5, and has a glass transition temperature between 91 and 101° C. andhas a molecular weight of about 320,000 g/mol and a second polymer whichis poly(methyl acrylate-co-methyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid)7:3:1 and is soluble above pH 7, and has a glass transition temperaturebetween 38 and 48° C. and has a molecular weight of about 280,000 g/molin a weight ratio of about 1:3.

The coating on the exterior surface of the gelatin container can beobtainable by coating the capsule in a coating solution, said coatingsolution comprising a first polymer and a second polymer as definedabove.

The capsules may be cured following coating. The capsules may be coatedusing a fluid bed coating machine. The capsules may be left to cure atroom temperature for a period of 1 to 24 hours, or from 3 to 18 hours,or from 6 to 12 hours, or for about 8 hours.

The coating solution may further comprise talc, triethyl citrate andwater. In this case, the coating solution may comprise from 5 to 40% byweight poly(methacrylic acid-co-ethyl acrylate) 1:1, from 5 to 40% byweight poly(methyl acrylate-co-methyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid)7:3:1, from 1 to 10% by weight talc, from 0.5 to 5% triethyl citrate andfrom 8.5 to 88.5% by weight water. The coating solution may comprisefrom 15 to 20% by weight poly(methacrylic acid-co-ethyl acrylate) 1:1,from 15 to 20% by weight poly(methyl acrylate-co-methylmethacrylate-co-methacrylic acid) 7:3:1, from 1 to 10% by weight talc,from 0.5 to 5% by weight triethyl citrate and from 45 to 68.5% by weightwater. For instance, the coating solution may comprise about 21% byweight poly(methacrylic acid-co-ethyl acrylate) 1:1, about 21% by weightpoly(methyl acrylate-co-methyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid) 7:3:1,about 5.5% by weight talc, about 2% by weight triethyl citrate and about51% by weight water.

The coating solution may comprise from 5 to 15% by weightpoly(methacrylic acid-co-ethyl acrylate) 1:1, from 20 to 40% by weightpoly(methyl acrylate-co-methyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid) 7:3:1,from 1 to 10% by weight talc, from 0.5 to 5% triethyl citrate and from30 to 73.5% by weight water. For instance, the coating solution maycomprise about 10% by weight poly(methacrylic acid-co-ethyl acrylate)1:1, about 30% by weight poly(methyl acrylate-co-methylmethacrylate-co-methacrylic acid) 7:3:1, about 5.5% by weight talc,about 2% triethyl citrate and about 51% by weight water.

In a preferred aspect, the present invention also provides a capsulesuitable for oral administration, said capsule comprising:

-   -   a) a gelatin container, and within the container    -   b) a formulation, and    -   c) a coating on the exterior surface of the container,        wherein the formulation comprises about 11.5% cobitolimod by        weight, about 4.5% high molecular weight hydroxypropyl        methylcellulose by weight, about 83.7% propylene glycol        caprylate esters by weight, about 0.1% butyl hydroxytoluene by        weight and about 0.2% tromethamine by weight; and wherein the        coating comprises poly(methacrylic acid-co-ethyl acrylate) 1:1        and poly(methyl acrylate-co-methyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic        acid) 7:3:1 in a ratio of about 1:1.

In a preferred aspect, the present invention also provides a capsulesuitable for oral administration, said capsule comprising:

-   -   a) a gelatin container, and within the container    -   b) a formulation, and    -   c) a coating on the exterior surface of the container,        wherein the formulation comprises about 11.5% cobitolimod by        weight, about 4.5% high molecular weight hydroxypropyl        methylcellulose by weight, about 83.7% propylene glycol        caprylate esters by weight, about 0.1% butyl hydroxytoluene by        weight and about 0.2% tromethamine by weight; and wherein the        coating comprises poly(methacrylic acid-co-ethyl acrylate) 1:1        and poly(methyl acrylate-co-methyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic        acid) 7:3:1 in a ratio of about 1:3.

In a preferred aspect, the present invention also provides a capsulesuitable for oral administration, said capsule comprising:

-   -   a) a gelatin container, and within the container    -   b) a formulation, and    -   c) a coating on the exterior surface of the container,        wherein the formulation comprises about 11.5% cobitolimod by        weight, about 4.5% high molecular weight hydroxypropyl        methylcellulose by weight, about 83.7% propylene glycol        caprylate esters by weight, about 0.1% butyl hydroxytoluene by        weight and about 0.2% tromethamine by weight; and wherein the        coating is obtainable by coating the capsule in a coating        solution, said coating solution comprising about 21% by weight        poly(methacrylic acid-co-ethyl acrylate) 1:1, about 21% by        weight poly(methyl acrylate-co-methyl        methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid) 7:3:1, about 5.5% by weight        talc, about 2% by weight triethyl citrate and about 51% by        weight water.

In a preferred aspect, the present invention also provides a capsulesuitable for oral administration, said capsule comprising:

-   -   a) a gelatin container, and within the container    -   b) a formulation, and    -   c) a coating on the exterior surface of the container,        wherein the formulation comprises about 11.5% cobitolimod by        weight, about 4.5% high molecular weight hydroxypropyl        methylcellulose by weight, about 83.7% propylene glycol        caprylate esters by weight, about 0.1% butyl hydroxytoluene by        weight and about 0.2% tromethamine by weight; and wherein the        coating is obtainable by coating the capsule in a coating        solution, said coating solution comprising about 10% by weight        poly(methacrylic acid-co-ethyl acrylate) 1:1, about 30% by        weight poly(methyl acrylate-co-methyl        methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid) 7:3:1, about 5.5% by weight        talc, about 2% triethyl citrate and about 51% by weight water.

The capsule of the present invention may be configured to release theoligonucleotide containing a CpG dinucleotide and having 6 to 40nucleotides when exposed to conditions of a specific pH or range of pHs,corresponding to the pH of a certain area in the gastrointestinal tract,by varying the ratio of the first to second polymer in the coating.

For instance, the pH of the ileo-cecal junction is around pH 6.5 to 7.5.It is important to recognise the pH variability along the GI tract,especially in the diseased state. For example, if a coating thatdissolves at pH>7.0 is applied, there is a risk that the GI tract pHwould never reach the minimal value, thereby resulting in non-release ofthe active. This issue is often reported in some of the colon targeteddrug delivery system. To overcome the problem, the coating compositionof this invention is designed to include an amount of enteric polymerthat dissolves at a pH lower than the target. Along with the inclusionof a controlled release mechanism in the core formulation, a “lag” timeis created to delay the onset of drug release to minimise any earlyrelease as well as no release. Typically, the capsule of the presentinvention is configured to release the oligonucleotide containing a CpGdinucleotide and having 6 to 40 nucleotides, preferably cobitolimod,when exposed to conditions of pH 6.5 to 7.5, i.e. the onset ofoligonucleotide release is between pH 6.5 to 7.5. This corresponds thepH of the ileo-cecal junction and allows the oligonucleotide to betargeted to the colon. Therefore, the capsule of the present invention,when administered orally to a subject, may be configured to commence therelease of the oligonucleotide at the ileo-cecal junction. This allowsthe oligonucleotide to be targeted to the colon, thereby allowingtargeted treatment of an inflammatory bowel disease affecting the colon,in particular ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. Typically, thecapsule is configured to release the oligonucleotide containing a CpGdinucleotide and having 6 to 40 nucleotides, preferably cobitolimod,when exposed to conditions of pH 6.5 to 7.5 over a period of greaterthan 2 hours, preferably, a period of from 3 to 18 hours, and morepreferably a period of from 5 to 12 hours.

The pH of the ileum (small intestine) is around pH 5.5. Alternatively,the capsule of the present invention is configured to release theoligonucleotide containing a CpG dinucleotide and having 6 to 40nucleotides, preferably cobitolimod, when exposed to conditions of pH5.5 to 6, i.e the onset of oligonucleotide release is between pH 5.5 and6. This corresponds the pH of the ileum and allows the oligonucleotideto be targeted to the ileum. Therefore, the capsule of the presentinvention, when administered orally to a subject, may be configured torelease the oligonucleotide in the ileum. This allows theoligonucleotide to be targeted to the ileum, thereby allowing targetedtreatment of an inflammatory bowel disease affecting the ileum, inparticular Crohn's disease.

The present invention also relates to a formulation or a capsule asdescribed above for use in the treatment of an inflammatory boweldisease in a subject, preferably ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.

The formulation or capsule for use as described above may release theoligonucleotide as defined above at the ileo-cecal junction. Theformulation or capsule for use as described above may release theoligonucleotide as defined above at pH 6.5 to 7.5, preferably at pH 6.5to 6.8.

The formulation or capsule for use as described above may release theoligonucleotide as defined above in the ileum. The formulation orcapsule for use as described above may release the oligonucleotide asdefined above at pH 5.5 to 6.

As used herein, the term “subject” refers to a human subject/patient.The terms “subject” and “patient” are used interchangeably herein.

As used herein, the term inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to agroup of inflammatory conditions of the colon and the gastrointestinaltract. The major types of IBD are ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn'sdisease. The main difference between UC and Crohn's disease is thelocation and nature of the inflammatory changes. Crohn's disease canaffect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from mouth to anus, whileUC is restricted to the colon and the rectum. In some cases, adefinitive diagnosis of either Crohn's disease or UC cannot be made dueto idiosyncrasies in the presentation. In these cases a diagnosis ofindeterminate colitis may be made. Other forms of IBD include, but arenot limited to, collagenous colitis, lymphocytic colitis, ischaemiccolitis, diversion colitis, Behcet's disease and indeterminate colitis.

Typically, the inflammatory bowel disease is ulcerative colitis (UC) orCrohn's disease.

The disease ulcerative colitis (UC) is well known to one skilled in theart. Ulcerative colitis treated in accordance with the present inventionmay involve treatment of ulcerative proctitis, distal or left sidedcolitis, extensive colitis, pancolitis and pouchitis.

Patients with UC typically present with a spectrum of disease severityranging from remission to severely active. Clinical assessment can beused to classify UC patients into 4 disease activity subgroups asdefined in D'Haens, Gastroenterology 2007; 132: 763-786, the entirety ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference: (1) remission (≤2 or 3stools/day, without the presence of blood and/or pus in the stools, withno systemic symptoms); (2) mildly active disease (3 or 4 stools/dayand/or presence of blood and/or pus in the stools less than daily, withno systemic symptoms of fever or weight loss); (3) moderately activedisease (>4 stools/day and/or daily presence of blood and/or pus) withminimal systemic symptoms; and (4) severely active disease (>6 bloodystools/day, and evidence of toxicity, as demonstrated by fever,tachycardia, anemia, or an erythrocyte sedimentation rate ESR).

Typically, the patient is suffering from moderate to severe UC.Preferably, the patient is suffering from moderate to severe UC asdefined above.

As used herein, the words “treatment” and “treating” are to beunderstood as embracing treatment and/or amelioration and/or preventionof or reduction in aggravation/worsening of symptoms of a disease orcondition as well as treatment of the cause of the disease or condition,and may include reversing, reducing, or arresting the symptoms, clinicalsigns, and underlying pathology of a condition in a manner to improve orstabilise a subject's condition.

In particular in the context of ulcerative colitis, “treating” typicallyrefers to inducing response or remission in a patient having activeulcerative colitis. Thus, typically, the oligonucleotide is for inducingresponse or remission of active ulcerative colitis in a patient.Inducing response means improving the condition of a patient by e.g.reducing and/or arresting the symptoms and clinical signs of the activedisease. Inducing remission means transitioning a patient from a statewhere they are considered to be in an active stage of the disease to astate where they are considered to be in remission.

Induction of response or remission in UC patients is typically assessedby one or more of endoscopy, histology, patient recorded outcomes andquality of life outcomes. Thus, reference to induction of response orremission includes induction of one or more of endoscopic remission,endoscopic response, histological remission, histological response,response or remission as determined by physician or by patient recordedoutcomes, and response or remission as determined by quality of life.This can typically be assessed by reference to one or more standardindices.

Typically, ulcerative colitis is chronic active ulcerative colitis.

As used herein, the term “chronic active ulcerative colitis” refers topatients with ulcerative colitis that is both active and chronic. Activeulcerative colitis is typically as defined herein, i.e. the patient isnot in remission. Chronic ulcerative colitis refers to a diseasecharacterized by a chronic inflammation of the rectal and colonicmucosa.

Preferably, reference herein to “treating” refers to inducing responseor remission in a patient having chronic active ulcerative colitis.Thus, typically, the oligonucleotide is for inducing response orremission of chronic active ulcerative colitis in a patient.

Induction of response or remission in UC patients may be determined inaccordance with one or more standard disease indices. Typical diseaseindices include but not limited to the ones mentioned below; (i) diseaseactivity determined by clinical and biochemical disease activity, (ii)disease activity determined by endoscopic disease activity, (iii)disease activity determined by composite clinical and endoscopic diseaseactivity indices, (iv) quality of life, (v) histologic disease activity.These indices are discussed in D'Haens (ibid).

Indices based on disease activity determined by clinical and biochemicaldisease activity include the Truelove and Witts Severity Index;Powell-Tuck (St. Mark's) Index; Clinical Activity (Rachmilewitz) Index;Activity (Seo) Index; Physician Global Assessment; Lichtiger (ModifiedTruelove and Witts Severity) Index; Investigators Global Evaluation;Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index; Improvement Based on IndividualSymptom Scores; Ulcerative Colitis Clinical Score; and Patient-definedremission. These indices are discussed in D'Haens (ibid).

Indices based on disease activity determined by endoscopic diseaseactivity include the Truelove and Witts Sigmoidoscopic Assessment; Baronscore; Powell-Tuck Sigmoidoscopic Assessment; Endoscopic (RachmilewitzEndoscopic) Index; Sigmoidoscopic Index; Sigmoidoscopic InflammationGrade Score; Mayo Score Flexible Proctosigmoidoscopy Assessment;Sutherland Mucosal Appearance Assessment; and Modified Baron Score.These indices are discussed in D'Haens (ibid).

Indices based on disease activity determined by composite clinical andendoscopic disease activity indices include the Mayo Score (Mayo ClinicScore/Disease Activity Index); Modified Mayo Score and Sutherland Index(Disease Activity Index/UC Disease Activity Index). Mayo Score andSutherland Index are discussed in D'Haens (ibid).

Indices based on quality of life include the Rating Form of IBD PatientConcerns; and the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ). Theseindices are discussed in D'Haens (ibid).

Indices based on histologic disease activity include those discussed inD'Haens (ibid) such as Geboes Index and Riley Index and further indicessuch as Nancy Index and Robarts Index.

Preferred indices for assessing UC patients include the ClinicalActivity (Rachmilewitz) Index, Mayo Score and Modified Mayo Score.

The Clinical Activity (Rachmilewitz) Index is an index taking intoaccount 7 variables: number of stools, blood in stools, investigator'sglobal assessment of symptomatic state, abdominal pain or cramps,temperature due to colitis, extraintestinal manifestations, andlaboratory findings. This is discussed further in D'Haens (ibid) andRachmilewitz D., BMJ 1989; 298: 82-86, the entirety of which isincorporated herein by reference. Determination of the Clinical Activity(Rachmilewitz) Index produces a score for a patient ranging from 0 to 29points (higher scores meaning more severe disease).

Clinical remission may be considered as a Clinical Activity(Rachmilewitz) Index score ≤4 points. Response as determined by theClinical Activity (Rachmilewitz) Index means the patient has a lowerscore after treatment than before treatment.

The Mayo Score is an index taking into account 4 items: stool frequency,rectal bleeding, findings of lower GI endoscopy, and Physician's GlobalAssessment (PGA). This is discussed further in D'Haens (ibid) andSchroeder K W et al, N Engl J Med 1987; 317: 1625-1629, the entirety ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference. Determination of the MayoScore produces a score ranging from 0 to 12 points (higher scoresmeaning more severe disease). In addition to the four specific items, apatient's functional assessment is also measured that is not meant to beincluded in the 12-point index calculation but should be used as ameasure of general well-being when determining the PGA score.

Mayo scoring for each of the 4 items is determined as set out in theTable below.

Physician's Colonoscopy/ Stool Rectal global sigmoidoscopy Scorefrequency^(b) Bleeding^(c) assessment^(d) finding 0 Normal No bloodNormal or Normal number of seen no disease or inactive stools fordisease this patient 1 1 to 2 stools Streaks of Mild Mild disease morethan blood with disease (erythema, decreased normal stool less vascularpattern, than half mild friability) the time 2 3 to 4 stools ObviousModerate Moderate disease more than blood with disease (marked erythema,normal stool most lack of vascular of the time pattern, friability,erosions) 3 5 or more Blood alone Severe Severe disease stools morepassed disease (spontaneous than normal bleeding, ulceration) ^(b)Eachpatient serves as his or her own control to establish the degree ofabnormality of the stool frequency. ^(c)The daily bleeding scorerepresents the most severe day of bleeding ^(d)The physician's globalassessment acknowledges the 3 other criteria, the patient's daily recordof abdominal discomfort and general sense of well-being, and otherobservations, such as physical findings and the patient's performancestatus.

Remission according to the Mayo Score may be defined as completeresolution of (1) stool frequency (normal stool frequency), (2) rectalbleeding (no rectal bleeding), (3) patient's functional assessment score(generally well), (4) endoscopy findings (normal), and a PGA score of 0.Response as determined by Mayo Score typically requires improvement (aminimum 1-point decrease from baseline) in the PGA score and improvementin at least one other clinical assessment (stool frequency, rectalbleeding, patient's functional assessment, endoscopy findings) and noworsening in any other clinical assessment.

Alternatively, clinical remission may be defined as a Mayo Score of 0and clinical improvement (response) as a decrease from baseline in theMayo Score ≥3 points.

Alternatively, clinical remission may be defined as a Mayo Score of 0and clinical improvement (response) as a decrease from baseline in theMayo Score ≥3 points (or a decrease of ≥2 points if the baseline MayoScore was ≤3 points).

Alternatively, remission as determined by Mayo Score may be defined asrequiring subscores of 0 for both sigmoidoscopy and rectal bleeding anda score of 0 or 1 for stool frequency and PGA subscores. Response may bedefined as a decrease from baseline in the Mayo Score ≥3 points;clinical response may be defined as a decrease from baseline in the MayoScore (without the endoscopy subscore, also known as a Partial MayoScore)≥2 points, and endoscopic response may be defined as a decreasefrom baseline in the endoscopic subscore ≥1 point.

Alternatively, clinical remission may be defined as a total Mayo scoreof ≤2 points with no individual subscore >1 point, clinical response maybe defined as a decrease from baseline in the total Mayo score ≥3 pointsand ≥30% and a decrease in the rectal bleeding subscore ≥1 point or anabsolute rectal bleeding subscore of 0 or 1, and mucosal healing may bedefined as an absolute endoscopy subscore of 0 or 1.

Typically, patients having active ulcerative colitis have a Mayo Score≥2. Patients who are in a remission phase of ulcerative colitistypically have a Mayo Score ≤2.

Modified Mayo Score is related to the Mayo Score, which is definedabove. Modified Mayo Score differs from Mayo Score in that theColonoscopy/sigmoidoscopy scoring takes less account of friability.Thus, the scoring table for the Modified Mayo Score is as set out below.

Physician's Colonoscopy/ Stool Rectal global sigmoidoscopy Scorefrequency^(b) Bleeding^(c) assessment^(d) finding 0 Normal No bloodNormal or Normal number of seen no disease or inactive stools fordisease this patient 1 1 to 2 stools Streaks of Mild Mild disease morethan blood with disease (erythema, decreased normal stool less vascularpattern) than half the time 2 3 to 4 stools Obvious Moderate Moderatedisease more than blood with disease (marked erythema, normal stool mostlack of vascular of the time pattern, friability, erosions) 3 5 or moreBlood alone Severe Severe disease stools more passed disease(spontaneous than normal bleeding, ulceration) ^(b)Each patient servesas his or her own control to establish the degree of abnormality of thestool frequency. ^(c)The daily bleeding score represents the most severeday of bleeding ^(d)The physician's global assessment acknowledges the 3other criteria, the patient's daily record of abdominal discomfort andgeneral sense of well-being, and other observations, such as physicalfindings and the patient's performance status.

Remission and response values for the Modified Mayo Score are as set outabove for the Mayo Score. Modified Mayo Score is typically assessed inaccordance with the FDA's draft guidance document “Ulcerative Colitis:Clinical Trial Endpoints Guidance for Industry” found athttp://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/Guidances/UCM515143.pdf

Alternatively, Modified Mayo Score may differ from Mayo Score in thatthe Colonoscopy/sigmoidoscopy scoring takes less account of friabilityand also in that Physician's Global Assessment is not determinative.Thus, the scoring table for the Modified Mayo Score may also be asfollows.

Colonoscopy/ Stool Rectal sigmoidoscopy Score frequency^(b) Bleeding^(c)finding 0 Normal No blood Normal or number of seen inactive diseasestools for this patient 1 1 to 2 stools Streaks of Mild disease morethan blood with (erythema, normal stool less decreased than half thevascular pattern) time 2 3 to 4 stools Obvious Moderate disease morethan blood with (marked erythema, lack normal stool most of of vascularpattern, the time friability, erosions) 3 5 or more Blood alone Severedisease stools more passed (spontaneous than normal bleeding,ulceration) ^(b)Each patient serves as his or her own control toestablish the degree of abnormality of the stool frequency. ^(c)Thedaily bleeding score represents the most severe day of bleeding

Remission and response values for this alternative Modified Mayo Scoreare typically as set out above for the Mayo Score. Alternatively,remission may be defined in accordance with this alternative ModifiedMayo Score by sub-scores of i) rectal bleeding of 0, ii) stool frequencyof 0 or 1 (with at least one point decrease from Baseline, Week 0), andiii) endoscopy score of 0 or 1 (excluding friability).

Induction of remission of UC may be in accordance with the criteria setout in S. P. L. Travis, Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2011; 34: 113-124, theentirety of which is incorporated herein by reference, i.e. completecessation of rectal bleeding, urgency and increased stool frequency,preferably confirmed by endoscopic mucosal healing.

Alternatively, induction of response or remission may be in accordancewith the criteria set out in E. F. Stange, Journal of Crohn's andColitis (2008) 2, 1-23; S. P. L. Travis, Journal of Crohn's and Colitis(2008) 2, 24-62; K Geboes, Gut 2000; 47: 404-409; the entirety of whichare incorporated herein by reference.

Induction of response or remission in Crohn's disease patients may bedetermined in accordance with one or more standard disease indices.Typical indices include the Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI). TheCDAI is discussed in Love, “Pharmacotherapy for Moderate to SevereInflammatory Bowel Disease: Evolving Strategies”, Am J Manag Care. 2016;22:S39-S50; Peyrin-Biroulet et al “Defining disease severity ininflammatory bowel diseases: current and future directions” ClinGastroenterol Hepatol. 2015; pii: S1542-3565(15)00787-00789. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2015.06.001; and Ungar et al “Advances in the developmentof new biologics in inflammatory bowel disease”, Annals ofGastroenterology (2016) 29, 243-248. Alternative indices for assessingCrohn's disease patients include the Harvey-Bradshaw index and theInflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire.

CDAI is a composite score taking into account a large number of symptomsassociated with Crohn's disease, including number of liquid or softstools; abdominal pain; general well being; presence of complications(the presence of joint pains (arthralgia) or frank arthritis;inflammation of the iris or uveitis; presence of erythema nodosum,pyoderma gangrenosum, or aphthous ulcers; anal fissures, fistulae orabscesses; other fistulae; fever during the previous week); use oflomotil or opiates for diarrhea; presence of an abdominal mass;hematocrit value; and percentage deviation from standard weight.Clinical remission according to the CDAI is typically indicated by ascore of <150.

The subject treated in accordance with the present invention istypically refractory or responds insufficiently or is intolerant toanti-inflammatory therapy and/or demonstrates or has previouslydemonstrated an inadequate response, loss of response, or intolerance toat least one immunomodulator, TNF-α inhibitor or anti-integrin. Thus,typically, the subject has previously received or is currently receivinganti-inflammatory therapy, preferably anti-inflammatory therapy for UCand/or immunomodulatory, TNF-α inhibitor or anti-integrin therapy,preferably such therapy for UC. Anti-inflammatory therapies for UC arediscussed herein and typically include GCS, sulfasalazine and 5-ASA.

Immunomodulators, TNF-α inhibitors and anti-integrins are discussedherein and typically include azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine andbiologicals including the TNF-α inhibitors infliximab and biosimilarsand derivatives thereof, golimumab and biosimilars and derivativesthereof, adalimumab and biosimilars and derivatives thereof andanti-integrins vedolizumab and biosimilars and derivatives thereof.

A refractory disease or disease that responds insufficiently to therapyis typically a disease where signs and symptoms of active diseasepersist despite a history of at least one course of therapy,anti-inflammatory therapy in the context of the present invention.Typically in the context of treatment of UC, signs and symptoms ofactive disease persist despite a history of earlier courses ofanti-inflammatory therapy. A typical course of treatment withanti-inflammatory therapy for UC would be well understood by a personskilled in the art, and would typically involve a sufficient number ofdoses at sufficient dosage to induce remission in a typical patient.

Intolerance to therapy, anti-inflammatory therapy in the context of thepresent invention, means that the therapy has caused side effects in thesubject that are not tolerated, e.g. that typically lead todiscontinuation of therapy.

Typically, the subject has previously received or is currently receivingAminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), preferably 5-ASA therapy for UC.

Typically, the subject has previously received or is currently receivingoral Glucocorticosteroids (GCS), preferably oral GCS therapy for UC.

Typically, the subject who is refractory or responds insufficiently oris intolerant to anti-inflammatory therapy shows or has previously shownan inadequate response to, or loss of response to (i.e. is refractoryto) or intolerance of rectal, oral, and/or parenteral GCS treatment(including no GCS treatment due to earlier side effect).

Typically, the subject who is refractory or responds insufficiently oris intolerant to anti-inflammatory therapy has a history of or currentstatus of an inadequate response (e.g. steroid refractory) to, ORsteroid dependency, OR loss of response to, OR intolerance of GCStreatment. The steroids/GCS will typically have been received by thesubject in the course of treating ulcerative colitis.

Steroid-refractory typically refers to a subject lacking a meaningfulclinical response, i.e. showing signs and symptoms of persistentlyactive ulcerative colitis, despite a history of at least one course ofsteroid treatment, for instance an induction regimen that included adose equivalent to prednisone 40-60 mg daily over a period of 30 daysfor oral administration or over a period of 7 to 10 days for intravenous(IV) administration.

Steroid dependence typically refers to a patient who is either unable toreduce steroids below the equivalent of prednisolone 10 mg/d within 3months of starting steroids, without recurrent active ulcerativecolitis, or who has a relapse within 3 months of stopping steroids.

Intolerance of GCS treatment typically means the subject has experiencedside effects not tolerated by the subject following GCS treatment, suchas but not limited to Cushing's syndrome, osteopenia/osteoporosis,hyperglycemia, insomnia, or infection.

An inadequate response, or loss of response to an immunomodulatortypically means signs and symptoms of active ulcerative colitis persistdespite previous treatment with at least one immunomodulator, forinstance one 8 Week regimen of oral azathioprine (≥1.5 mg/kg) or6-mercaptopurine (≥0.75 mg/kg).

Intolerance to an immunomodulator typically means the subject hasexperienced nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain, pancreatitis, liverfunction test (LFT) abnormalities, lymphopenia, ThiopurineMethyltransferase (TPMT) genetic mutation, or infection or other sideeffects after receiving an immunomodulator.

An inadequate response, or loss of response to a TNF-α inhibitor meanssigns and symptoms of active ulcerative colitis persist despite previoustreatment with at least one TNF-α inhibitor, such as 4-Week inductionregimen (or doses as recommended according to the current labels) ofinfliximab (5 mg/kg (IV), 2 doses at least 2 weeks apart) or abiosimilar or derivative thereof; golimumab (200/100 mg (SC), 2 doses atleast 2 weeks apart) or a biosimilar or derivative thereof; oradalimumab (160/80 mg (SC), 2 doses at least 2 weeks apart) or abiosimilar or derivative thereof or recurrence of symptoms duringmaintenance dosing following prior clinical benefit.

Intolerance to a TNF-α inhibitor means an infusion-related reaction,demyelination, congestive heart failure, infection or other side effectsfollowing receipt of a TNF-α inhibitor.

An inadequate response, or loss of response to an anti-integrin meanssigns and symptoms of active ulcerative colitis persist despite previoustreatment with an anti-integrin, for instance at least 10 weeks regimenof vedolizumab 300 mg (IV) or a biosimilar or derivative thereof, or asrecommended in the current label, or recurrence of symptoms duringmaintenance dosing following prior clinical benefit.

Typically, the subject has been diagnosed with left sided ulcerativecolitis, i.e. distal colitis, including proctosigmoiditis.

Typically, the subject has been diagnosed with pancolitis.

Typically, said subject is elective for colectomy.

As used herein, the term “colectomy” refers to surgical resection of anyextent of the large intestine (colon). Herein, colectomy includes, butis not limited to, right hemicolectomy, left hemicolectomy, extendedhemicolectomy, transverse colectomy, sigmoidectomy, proctosigmoidectomy,Hartmann operation, “double-barrel” or Mikulicz colostomy, totalcolectomy (also known as Lane's Operation), total procto-colectomy andsubtotal colectomy. As used herein, the phrase “elective for colectomy”refers to a subject who may choose to undergo the procedure ofnon-emergency colectomy based on physician and surgeon assessment.Subjects elective for colectomy may be, but are not limited to, subjectsrefractory to available therapy (for ulcerative colitis) or intolerantof available therapy (for ulcerative colitis). This differs fromemergency colectomy, which is an acute intervention for subjects withacute illnesses or injuries and who require immediate medical attention.The phrase also includes subjects that are elected for colectomy.

The formulations and capsules of the present invention may beadministered as monotherapy treatment for the indication or with otherdrug(s) as adjunct therapy for the indication, as described in moredetail below. For, example the subject may receive one or moreadditional therapeutic agents for the treatment of an inflammatory boweldisease, typically ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.

In the case of adjunct (or “add-on”) therapy, the drugs for use in thepresent invention may be administered simultaneously, separately orsequentially with the other drug(s), for example in fixed dosecombination or in separate doses.

As used herein, the term “add-on” refers to administering of saidoligonucleotide in addition to a current therapy or drug regime, withoutdiscontinuing the current therapy or drug regime.

Thus, the oligonucleotide may be administered as a monotherapy, or incombination with one or more additional therapeutic agents for thetreatment of inflammatory bowel disease, preferably ulcerative colitisor Crohn's disease. Typically, the oligonucleotide may be administeredas a monotherapy, or in combination with one or more additionaltherapeutic agents for the treatment of ulcerative colitis chosen fromimmunomodulatory drugs, anti-TNF therapy drugs or other suitable drugsfor treating ulcerative colitis.

Examples of such drugs suitable for use in combination with saidoligonucleotide include, but are not limited to GCS or derivatives;prednisolone, Decortin, anti-TNF or derivative; infliximab andbiosimilars and derivatives thereof, adalimumab and biosimilars andderivatives thereof, golimumab and biosimilars and derivatives thereof,anti-integrin or derivatives; vedolizumab and biosimilars andderivatives thereof, natural IFN-β, thiopurine or derivatives;azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, 5-ASA, sulphasalazine, methotrexate,cylclosporine, tofacitinib and equivalents thereof.

Typically, the subject receiving said oligonucleotide also receives oneor more other drugs chosen from GCS, Decortin, 5-ASA, azathioprine,6-mercaptopurine, sulphasalazine, methotrexate, prednisolone andequivalents thereof or derivatives.

Preferably, the subject receiving said oligonucleotide also receives oneor more other drugs chosen from GCS, 5-ASA, azathioprine,6-mercaptopurine, sulphasalazine and methotrexate.

More preferably, the subject receiving said oligonucleotide alsoreceives one or more other drugs chosen from oral GCS, oral 5-ASA,azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, and oral methotrexate.

Typically, the subject receiving said oligonucleotide also receives oneor more steroid drugs, for example corticosteroids andglucocorticosteroids.

For purposes of the invention, the terms “in combination with” and“add-on” mean in the course of treating the same disease in the samepatient, and include administering the oligonucleotide and one or moreadditional therapeutic agents in any order, including simultaneousadministration, as well as temporally spaced order of up to severalmonths apart.

Typically, the formulation or capsule is administered orally.

The invention also provides a method of treating inflammatory boweldisease, preferably ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, in a subject,the method comprising orally administering to said subject a formulationor capsule as defined herein.

The invention also provides the use of a formulation or a capsule asdefined herein for the manufacture of a medicament for treatment ofinflammatory bowel disease, preferably ulcerative colitis or Crohn'sdisease.

The following non-limiting Examples illustrate the invention. Throughoutthe Examples, the terms active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) andcobitolimod have been used interchangeably.

Example 1—Cobitolimod/Excipient Compatibility Studies 1.1 Materials

The excipients other materials used in this study are detailed in Tables1 and 2.

TABLE 1 Excipients used in this study Excipient Manufacturer PrecirolAT05 Gattefosse Stereotex Abitec Geleol Gattefosse Gelucire 43/01Gattefosse Vit E TPGS Anta res Gelucire 48/16 Gattefosse PEG 1500 CrodaTween 80 Croda Capryol PGMC Gattefosse Labra sol Gattefosse MiglyolCremer Oleo

TABLE 2 Other materials used in this study. Material ManufacturerGelatin Gelita Sterile water Fresnius Kabi Pharmacoat 603 Shin EtsuEthanol {96% v/v) Fisher Conisnap gelatin Capsugel capsules, size 1VCAPS Plus Capsugel HPMC capsules, size 1

1.2 Cobitolimod Solubility Assessment Method

Solubility was assessed through kinetic solubility method throughstepwise addition of the API to the excipients until a maximalsolubility is attained.

1.3 Cobitolimod/Excipient Compatibility Study Method

The cobitolimod-containing mixes and their corresponding placebo wereanalysed using HPLC with UV detection at two time points: at no longerthan 4 weeks after preparation and subsequent storage at 2-8° C. (T=0),and after being set down for 4 weeks at 40° C./75% relative humidity(T=4).

1.4 Capsule Shell Compatibility Method

The cobitolimod-containing mixes and the corresponding placebo mixeswere filled into each type of capsule (gelatin and HPMC) to give atarget concentration of 30 mg per capsule. The capsules were then bandedusing an appropriate banding solution, and left to dry overnight. Thecapsules were then leak tested in a vacuum chamber for 20 minutes andsubsequently visually assessed for leaking or cracking. Afterinspection, the capsules were set down on stability at 40° C./75%relative humidity for 2 weeks and then once again visually checked forleaks, cracks and deformations of the capsule shell.

1.5 Cobitolimod Solubility Assessment Results

The results of the solubility assessment showed that all the mixes weresuspensions at the initial 40 mg cobitolimod in 8 g excipientconcentration.

Table 3 shows which binary mixes were workable at 600 mg cobitolimod in8 g excipient concentration and which mixes were unworkable.

TABLE 3 Results of solubility assessment study at final 600 mgcobitolimod (API) in 8 g excipient concentration. Binary mixObservations at 600 mg/8 g concentration Precirol AT05 + API Very clumpyand unworkable at 600 mg API concentration Stereotex + API Fluid andworkable Geleol + API Fluid and workable Gelucire 43/01 + API Fluid andworkable Vit E TPGS + API Unworkable at 400 mg API concentrationGelucire 48/16 +API Unworkable at 600 mg API concentration PEG 1500 +API Fluid and workable Tween 80 + API Unworkable at 400 mg APIconcentration Capryol PGMC + API Fluid and workable Labrasol + APIUnworkable at 400 mg API concentration Miglyol + API Unworkable at 600mg API concentration

1.6 Capsule Shell Compatibility Study Results

Table 4 and Table 5 detail the five mixes that were taken forward forthe capsule shell compatibility study.

TABLE 4 Capsule shell compatibility study cobitolimod (API) mixes.Binary mix Stereotex + API Geleol + API Gelucire 43/01 + API PEG 1500API Capryol PGMC + API

TABLE 5 Capsule shell compatibility study placebo mixes Placebo mixStereotex Geleol Gelucire 43/01 PEG 1500 Capryol PGMC

Table 6 details the results of the study immediately prior to set downand after the 2 week set down time point. Capryol PGMC placebo in HPMCcapsules not carried forward due to the corresponding Capryol andcobitolimod in HPMC capsules having all cracks developed during thebanding process. Table 7 details the results of theexcipient+cobitolimod capsule immediately prior to set down and afterthe 2-week set down time point. The Gelucire 43/01+cobitolimod capsulesshowed same signs of deformation on the capsules, however this could bedue to the band softening during storage at 40° C. and getting flattenedagainst the bottom of the amber jar. The corresponding excipient onlycapsules showed no signs of capsule deformation. The CapryolPGMC+cobitolimod containing mix were not set down in HPMC capsule due toall the capsules cracked after banding.

TABLE 6 Excipient only capsule shell compatibility study results priorto and after 2 week setdown. Excipient only Observations ObservationsCapsule Excipient prior after 2 weeks at shell base to set down 40°C./75% RH HPMC Sterotex No issue No issue HPMC Geleol No issue No issueHPMC Gelucire 43/01 No issue No issue HPMC PEG 1500 No issue No issueGelatin Sterotex No issue No issue Gelatin Geleol No issue No issueGelatin Gelucire 43/01 No issue No issue Gelatin PEG 1500 No issue Noissue Gelatin Capryol PGMC No issue No issue

TABLE 7 Excipient + cobitolimod (API) capsule shell compatibility studyresults prior to and after 2 week set down. API/Excipient binary mixObservations Capsule Observations prior after 2 weeks at shell Excipientbase to set down 40° C./75% RH HPMC Sterotex + API No issue No issueHPMC Geleol + API No issue No issue HPMC Gelucire No issue No issue43/01 + API HPMC PEG 1500 + API No issue No issue HPMC Capryol All 5capsules cracked NA PGMC + API after banding and before leak testing.Gelatin Sterotex API No issue No issue Gelatin Geleol + API No issue Noissue Gelatin Gelucire No issue 2 capsules showing 43/01 + API somesigns of deformation Gelatin PEG 1500 + API No issue No issue GelatinCapryol No issue No issue PGMC + API

1.7 Cobitolimod/Excipient Compatibility Study Results

The following mixes as detailed in Table 8 were carried forward for thecobitolimod/excipient compatibility study.

TABLE 8 Mixes carried forward for cobitolimod/ excipient compatibilitystudy. Sample Sterotex + API Geleol + API Gelucire 43/01 + API PEG1500 + API Capryol PGMC + API Sterotex (placebo) Geleol (placebo)Gelucire 43/01 (placebo) PEG 1500 (placebo) Capryol PGMC (placebo)

The samples were analysed at the initial and 4 week time points forrelated substances and assay values and the results are reported basedon area %

FIG. 1 below shows a comparison of the cobitolimod standard compared tothe 5 binary mixes prepared at the initial time point. The chromatogramshows same degradation in the Geleol and PEG 1500 mixes but there is nonoticeable change between API standard and the initial time pointsamples for the remaining Capryol, Gelucire and Sterotex mixes.

FIG. 2 below shows a comparison of the cobitolimod standard compared tothe 5 binary mixes at the 4 week time point. The chromatography showsthere is noticeable degradation in the Sterotex, PEG 1500 and Geleolmixes and slight degradation on the Gelucire mix after 4 weeks. TheCapryol mix appears to show very little if any degradation after 4weeks.

1.8 Sterotex and Cobitolimod

The Sterotex+cobitolimod sample showed a moderate increase in relatedsubstances (RS) of 5.5% between the initial and 4 week time points andan increase in assay of 28% (Table 9). This sample also exhibiteddifferent behaviour after the 4 week time point, with a solid pelletforming on the bottom of the vial that could not be homogenised bystirring, heating or sonication. The increase in assay values is likelydue to the mix being non-uniform during sampling.

TABLE 9 Sterotex RS and assay results. Initial 4 week Change Initial 4week Change RS RS in RS assay assay in assay results results resultsresults results results (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) 5.90 11.44 +5.54 87 115+28

1.9 Geleol and Cobitolimod

The Geleol+cobitolimod sample showed a significant increase in relatedsubstances (RS) of 13.6% between the initial and 4 week time points anda significant decrease in assay of 28% (Table 10). This sample alsoexhibited different behaviour after the 4 week time point, with a solidpellet forming on the bottom of the vial that could not be homogenisedby stirring, heating or sonication. The decrease in assay values ishighly likely to be due to the cobitolimod degradation and also due tothe sample not being homogeneous at the 4 week time point.

TABLE 10 Geleol RS and assay results. Initial 4 week Change Initial 4week Change RS RS in RS assay assay in assay results results resultsresults results results (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) 7.63 21.26 +13.63 94 66−28

1.10 Gelucire 43/01 and Cobitolimod

The Gelucire 43/01+cotibolimod sample showed an increase in relatedsubstances of 8.3% between the initial and 4 week time points and asignificant decrease in assay of 11% (Table 11). This sample alsoexhibited different behaviour after the 4 week time point, with a solidpellet forming on the bottom of the vial that could not be homogenisedby stirring, heating or sonication. The decrease in assay values islikely due to cotibolimod degradation and also due to the sample notbeing homogeneous at the 4 week time point which is also indicated bythe low initial assay result.

TABLE 11 Gelucire 43/01 RS and assay results Initial 4 week ChangeInitial 4 week Change RS RS in RS assay assay in assay results resultsresults results results results (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) 5.76 14.01 +8.2570 59 −11

1.11 PEG1500 and Cobitolimod

The PEG1500+cobitolimod sample showed an increase in related substancesof 6.6% between the initial and 4 week time points and a significantdecrease in assay of 11% (see Table 12). However, no changes indispersion characteristics are observed.

TABLE 12 PEG1S00 RS and Assay results Initial 4 week Change Initial 4week Change RS RS in RS assay assay in assay results results resultsresults results results (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) 9.15 15.70 +6.55 92 81−11%

1.12 Capryol PGMC and Cobitolimod

The Capryol PGMC+cobitolimod sample showed a slight increase of 1.8% inrelated substances between the initial and 4 week time points and aslight increase in the assay value of 4% (Table 13). No changes indispersion characteristic is observed.

TABLE 13 Capryol PGMC RS and Assay results. Initial 4 week ChangeInitial 4 week Change RS RS in RS assay assay in assay results resultsresults results results results (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) 5.24 7.05 +1.8197 101 +4

The Capryol PGMC based system had the least amount of degradation. Inaddition, it is worth of noting that, re-dispersibility issues wereobserved in the hydrophobic high melting wax systems, but not theCapryol and the PEG system suggesting this may be related to cobitolimodaggregation in the hydrophobic environment. Further work on theinclusion of a small amount of antioxidant and pH buffering material inthese excipients to minimise degradation is found in Example 3.

1.13 Conclusion

All of the mixes studied provided a suspension with none showing anydegree of solubility, thus the cobitolimod will be prepared as asuspension for further development.

Degradation was detected to a different extent during preparation of allsuspensions. The Capryol PGMC based system had the least amount ofdegradation. The reasons for the apparent degradation of the cobitolimodin the cobitolimod/excipient compatibility study could be due to thecobitolimod being sensitive to oxidation as well as acid degradation andthe temperatures used in the preparation of the samples.Redispersibility issues were observed in the hydrophobic high meltingwax systems, but not the Capryol and the PEG systems suggestingdispersibility may be related to cobitolimod aggregation in thehydrophobic environment.

Example 2—Basic Core Formulation

Example 1 has demonstrated that Capryol PGMC was the most appropriatecarrier material in terms of chemical compatibility with cobitolimod.This carrier is anticipated to release cobitolimod relatively fast andtherefore addition of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) issuggested. The objectives of this study were firstly to investigate thelimit of cobitolimod suspension achievable in Capryol PGMC excipient todetermine if sufficient cobitolimod could be suspended to reach areasonable/suitable concentration of cobitolimod and the suspensionremain workable at the increased cobitolimod loading; secondly toinvestigate the limit of suspendability of Methocel/HPMC in Capryol PGMCand visually assess the gel forming properties of various concentrationsand compositions of HPMC in Capryol PGMC to determine the most suitablecompositions and concentrations for further study; and thirdly toinvestigate various different cobitolimod/Capryol/HPMC compositions andconcentrations for workability and visual gel forming profile.

2.1 Materials

TABLE 14 Excipient and materials list Material Function ManufacturerCapryol PGMC Excipient Gattefosse Methocel K1O0M Gelling agent Colorcon(HPMC 1) High viscosity Methocel E3 Gelling agent Colorcon (HPMC 2) Lowviscosity

2.2 Cobitolimod Suspension Limit in Capryol Only Method

The cobitolimod suspension limit in Capryol only was assessed byrepeating the steps of (i) adding the API to Capryol, (ii) spatulastirring and (iii) sonication, until the suspension became unworkabledue to, for example, being too viscous, agglomerates forming that wouldnot break down etc.

2.3 Preliminary Dispersion Testing of HPMC/Capryol Mix Method

The preliminary dispersion testing of five different ratios of theHPMC/Capryol mix was carried out using the following method: A 500 mlbeaker was filled with 250 ml of Milli-Q water and placed in a waterbath at 37° C. and the temperature allowed to equilibrate. 1 g of eachof the five mixes prepared in Tables 15 and 16 below was added to thebeaker and gently stirred by a magnetic stirrer. Two grades of HPMC wereused for this study, HPMC 1 was Methocel K100M high molecular weightHPMC and HPMC 2 which was Methocel E3 low molecular weight HPMC.

Visual observations of the dispersion test results such as solutioncolour, particles, sedimentation, agglomerates etc were made at initialaddition of sample, 5 minute, 30 minute, 1 hour, 2 hour, 4 hour, 5 hourand 24 hour time points. After the 5 hour time point stirring wasstopped and the solution was allowed to settle for 24 hours.

TABLE 15 High viscosity HPMC/Excipient dispersion testing mixcomposition (HPMC 1 is Methocel K100M high viscosity HPMC) Capryol HPMCTotal mix Composition weight weight weight Mix Capryol/HPMC 1 (g) (g)(g) 1 Placebo 95.0%/5.0%  4.75 0.25 5.00 2 Placebo 90.0%/10.0% 4.50 0.505.00 3 Placebo 85.0%/15.0% 4.25 0.75 5.00

TABLE 16 High and low viscosity HPMC/Excipient dispersion testing mixcomposition (HPMC 1 is Methocel K100M high viscosity HPMC; HPMC 2 isMethocel E3 low viscosity HPMC) Total Composition Capryol HPMC 1 HPMC2mix Capryol/HPMC 1/ weight weight weight weight Mix HPMC 2 (g) (g) (g)(g) 4 Placebo 90.0%/5.0%/5.0% 4.50 0.25 0.25 5.00 5 Placebo85.0%/10.0%/5.0% 4.25 0.50 0.25 5.00

2.4 Cobitolimod Capryol HPMC Formulation Study

The following samples were prepared for the preliminary dispersiontesting of HPMC/Capryol/cobitolimod and were assessed for workability.Two grades of HPMC were used, with 3 mixes being based on high molecularweight HPMC 1 (Methocel K100M) and the remaining 2 mixes being a mix ofhigh molecular weight HPMC 1 (Methocel K100M) and low molecular weightHPMC 2 (Methocel E3). This was to examine if the combined low and highmolecular weight HPMC mixes would form a gel more rapidly than the highmolecular weight HPMC 1 only mix as well as studying the effects on theworkability of the formulations.

The samples were prepared by adding the API and HPMC in stepwiseadditions to Capryol with 15 minutes sonication at 25° C. betweenadditions to produce a fine uniform suspension. The five samplesprepared are detailed below in Tables 17 and 18.

TABLE 17 High viscosity HPMC/Excipient/cobitolimod dispersion testingmix composition (HPMC 1 is Methocel K100M high viscosity HPMC) TotalComposition Capryol HPMC1 API mix Capryol/HPMC1/ weight weight weightweight Mix API (g) (g) (g) (g) 1 Active 83.5%/5.0%/11.5% 4.175 0.2500.575 5.000 2 Active 78.5%/10.0%/11.5% 3.925 0.500 0.575 5.000 3 Active73.5%/15.0%/11.5% 3.675 0.750 0.575 5.000

TABLE 18 High and low viscosity HPMC/excipient/ cotibolimod dispersiontesting mix composition (HPMC 1 is Methocel K100M high viscosity HPMC;HPMC 2 is Methocel E3 low viscosity HPMC) Composition HPMC HPMC TotalExcipient/ Capryol 1 2 API mix HPMC 1/ weight weight weight weightweight Mix HPMC 2/API (g) (g) (g) (g) (g) 4 78.5%/5.0%/ 3.925 0.2500.250 0.575 5.000 Active 5.0%/11.5% 5 73.5%/10.0%/ 3.675 0.500 0.2500.575 5.000 Active 5.0%/11.5%

2.5 Cobitolimod/Capryol/HPMC Dispersion Testing Method

Preliminary dispersion testing of the HPMC/Capryol/API mixtures set outin Tables 17 and 18 above were carried out by adding the mixtures todistilled water at 37° C. under gentle stirring and recordingobservations at various time intervals after addition. Stirring wasceased 5 hours after addition.

2.6 Cobitolimod Limit of Suspension Study in Capryol Only Results

The results of the cobitolitmod limit of suspension at 25° C. studyusing cobitolimod and Capryol PGMC are detailed in Table 19. The datasuggests a maximum of 13-14% cobitolimod (corresponding to approx. 53 mgcobitolitmod/capsule) in Capryol PGMC is the likely limit ofsuspendability for the cobitolimod in the binary system.

TABLE 19 Results of API/Capryol PGMC limit of suspension studyApproximate Observations cobitolimod AFTER spatula loading, mg/5 g mixBUT BEFORE Observations AFTER spatula Capryol sonication mix ANDsonication 200 mg (3.8% A thick paste was A fine, visibly uniformloading) formed. suspension was formed which was fluid and workable. 400mg (7.4% A thick paste was A fine, visibly uniform loading) formed.suspension was formed which was fluid and workable. 600 mg (10.7% Athick paste was A fine, visibly uniform loading) formed. suspension wasformed which was fluid and workable. 800 mg (13.8% A thick paste was Afine, visibly uniform loading) formed. suspension was formed. Visibly, aslight increase in viscosity but the suspension was still fluid andworkable. 1000 mg (16.7% A thick paste was A fine, visibly uniformloading) formed. suspension was formed. Visibly, a large increase inviscosity, thick suspension at the limit of being workable/unworkable.1200 mg (19.4% A thick paste was The suspension very thick and loading)formed. unworkable.

2.7 Preliminary Dispersion Testing of HPMC/Capryol Mix Results

Based on the limit of suspendability study, five mixes of HPMC inCaproyl PGMC from 5% to 15% HPMC 1 (High molecular weight HPMC) (Table15) and a blend of HPMC 1 (High molecular weight HPMC) and HPMC 2 (Lowmolecular weight HPMC; Table 16) were prepared for dispersion study. Theresults of the HPMC/Capryol only dispersion study are detailed in Table20 below. The data confirms that the high molecular weight HPMC 1 mixesall form an effective gelling matrix. The higher the concentration ofHPMC 1, the longer the dispersion time.

TABLE 20 Preliminary Dispersion testing of HPMC/Excipient mix results 24hour Initial 2 minute 5 minute 1 hour 2 hour 3 hour 4 hour 5 hour(settling) time time time 30 minute time time time time time time Mixpoint point point time point point point point point point point Mix 1Mostly As for One big very Soft gel drop As for 30 Gel drop Small gel Asfor 3 As for Fully Placebo aggregated initial fine gel drop. formed.Clear minute about 50% fragments hour 4 hour dissolved, together buttime Clear oily oily drops time remaining. left, about time time no nota solid gel. point. drops still still separate point 10% point. point.fragments Same clear separate remaining. visible. oily drops separate.Mix 2 Mostly As for One big very Soft gel drop As for 30 Gel drop Smallgel As for 3 As for Fully Placebo aggregated initial fine gel drop.formed. Clear minute about 50% fragments hour 4 hour dissolved, togetherbut time Clear oily oily drops time remaining. left, about time time nonot a solid gel. point. drops still still separate point 20% point.point. fragments Same clear separate remaining. visible. oily dropsseparate. Mix 3 Mostly As for Several gel Soft gel drop As for 30 Geldrop Gel drop has Gel As for Fully Placebo aggregated initial dropsformed. formed. Clear minute about 75% fragmented fragments 4 hourdissolved, together but time Clear oily oily drops time remaining intoseveral starting to time no not a solid gel. point. drops still stillseparate point and starting small pieces. break up. point. fragmentsSame clear separate. to fragment. Gel appears visible. oily drops softwith separate. about 60% remaining. Mix 4 No As for Several gel As for 5As for 30 Gel drops Appears to be As for 3 As for Fully Placeboaggregation, initial drops formed. minute time minute now fully in hour4 hour dissolved, separate small time Clear oily point. time just smallsolution, no time point. time point. no opaque drops point. drops stillpoint fragments. visible Fully in Fully in fragments formed separate.fragments left solution solution. visible. but not a solid gel. Mix 5 NoAs for Several gel Several solid As for 30 Gel drops Several drops Smallgel As for Fully Placebo aggregation, initial drops formed. gel dropsminute still formed remaining, drops 4 hour dissolved, separate smalltime Clear oily formed. Clear time but reduced in remaining, time noopaque drops point. drops still oily drops still point starting to sizefrom 2 greatly point. fragments formed separate. separate. disintegratehour time reduced in visible. but not point. size from 3 a solid gel.hour time point. Structure appears reasonably intact with same slightfraying at edges of drops.

2.8 Cobitolimod/Capryol/HPMC Formulation Study Results

Based on the suspension loading studies of the cobitolimod and HPMC inCapryol PGMC, and the assessment of the dispersion characteristics ofthe HPMC/Capryol mixtures in water, a number of prototype formulationswere prepared as described in Section 2.4 in Tables 17 and 18.

While preparing these samples after the final addition of cobitolimodthe mixes became thick unworkable pastes, this was probably due to thequantity of cobitolimod being too much when added at each step, causingoverloading the system's ability to form a suspension. This is explainedby the overall concentration of cobitolimod in the total formulationbeing 11.5% but the actual concentration of cobitolimod with respect tothe Capryol PGMC excipient was between 12.1% and 13.5% which is nearingthe limit of suspension. Extra Caproyl PGMC was added and the mixessonicated at 25° C. until a uniform suspension was achieved. Extraquantities of HPMC and cobitolimod were added in smaller steps to bringthe formulations up to the correct compositions, however after the finaladdition of the API all 5 mixes became thick pastes again. The mixeswere then high shear mixed for periods of 1 minute ensuring thetemperature remained below 30° C., after the final high shear mix allformulations were sonicated for 15 minutes at 25° C. with the resultsdetailed in Table 21 below.

These results show that the maximum level of HPMC that can beaccommodated in the tertiary mixes, at 11.5% cobitolimod loading, isabout 10%.

TABLE 21 Formulation of cobitolimod/HPMC/Capryol mix results 1st high2nd high 3rd high 4th high 5th high shear mixing shear mixing shearmixing shear mixing shear mixing Mix cycle cycle cycle cycle cycle 1Active Thick paste, Visibly Visible No change Not performed possibleviscous moderate from 3rd as no change slight visible suspension,viscous mix. between reduction in visibly suspension, 3rd and 4thviscosity. uniform uniform mix and Still throughout. Still throughout.suspension unworkable. unworkable. Workable. is workable. 2 Active Thickpaste, No change Thick No change Possibly slight from 1st uniform from3rd shear visible mix. suspension, mix. thinning, reduction in visiblewith effect viscosity. decrease in lasting for 1 Still viscosity. minuteafter unworkable. Still mix unworkable. stopped. Possibly workable. 3Active Very thick No change No change. No change. Not paste. from 1stmix. performed as Unworkable. still thick unworkable paste 4 ActiveThick paste, Thick Visibly No change Not slight visible visibly moderatefrom 3rd performed as reduction is viscous viscous mix. no changeviscosity. suspension, suspension, between 3rd Still visibly unifrom and4th mix. unworkable uniform throughout, Workable throughout. workable.Still unworkable. 5 Active Thick paste. No change No change. No change.Not Unworkable from 1st performed as mix. still thick unworkable paste.

2.9 Cobitolimod/Excipient/HPMC Dispersion Testing Results

The dispersion study was performed using mixes 1 Active (5% HPMC 1,HMW), 2 Active (10% HPMC 1, HMW) and 4 Active (5% HPMC1 and 5% HPMC2) asthese were the only mixes which were workable. The results for thedispersion assessment of the API/Capryol/HPMC are detailed in Table 22.

A dispersion evaluation for a binary mixture of an active and Capryolwas also carried out. The dispersion appeared to be immediate and fullydispersed upon adding the formulation to water.

TABLE 22 API/Excipient/HPMC dispersion testing results. 24 hour Initial5 minute 30 minute 1 hour 2 hour 3 hour 4 hour 5 hour (settling) timetime time time time time time time time Mix point point point pointpoint point point point point Mix 1 Small off As for Slight reduction inDroplets appear Droplets greatly Very small Appears As per AppearsActive white initial droplet size. Oil reduced in size and reduced insize. fragments fully 4 hour fully droplets time drops still visible.are less structurally Number of droplets remaining, solubilised. timepoint. solubilised. formed. point. No flocking of defined. Off whitereduced. Oil drops mast Oil Appears Several oily droplets. colour fadingand still evident No droplets have drops still fully drops becomingslightly flocking of solubilised. evident. solubilised. visible on moretransparent. No remaining Oil water flocking of droplets. droplets.drops still surface. No evident. flocking of droplets. Mix2 Small off Asfor Slight reduction in Droplets appear Droplets greatly Small As for Asper Appears Active white initial droplet size. Oil reduced in size andreduced in size. Oil fragments 3 hour 4 hour fully droplets time dropsstill visible. are less structurally drops still evident. remaining,time time solubilised. formed. point. No flocking of defined. Off whiteNo flocking of most point. point. Several oily droplets. colour fadingand remaining droplets. droplets have drops becoming slightlysolubilised. visible on more transparent. No Oil water flocking ofdroplets. drops still surface. No evident. flocking of droplets. Mix4Small off As for Slight reduction in Droplets appear Droplets greatlyAppears As for As per Appears Active white initial droplet size. Oilreduced in size. Still reduced in size. fully 3 hour 4 hour fullydroplets time drops still visible. structurally similar Water isslightly solubilised. time point. time point. solubilised. formed.point. No flocking of to cloudy. Oil Oil Appears Appears Several oilydroplets. 30 minute time drops still drops still fully fully dropspoint. Off white evident. No evident. solubilised. solubilised. visibleon colour fading and flocking water becoming slightly of remainingsurface. No more transparent. droplets. flocking No of droplets.flocking of droplets.

It appears that all formulations form a gelling matrix on contact withwater. These matrices would erode over time. The 3 hrs assessment data(Table 22) suggests that the presence of the low molecular weight HPMCwould accelerate the erosion process. The data also suggests that thedispersion of the formulation comprising cobitolimod appears to befaster than the binary mixes of the HPMC in Capryol PGMC, which suggeststhat the hydrophilic nature of the cobitolimod may have facilitateddosage form dispersion.

2.10 Conclusions

This study has shown that there is a limit of cobitolimod incorporationwith the Capryol PGMC binary system of about 13%. A gel system based onHPMC that can potentially modulate drug release can be prepared with5-15% HPMC. Based on this understanding, five Prototype formulationsincorporating 11.5% cobitolimod, 5-15% HPMC were evaluated. 11.5% w/wcobitolimod loading with respect to the complete formulation was chosenas this gives an cobitolimod loading with respect to the Capryol PGMC ofbetween 13.7% and 15.6% (the HPMC is assumed not to contribute toimproving the cobitolimod loading but is incorporated as a releasemodifier). Based on the assessment of the dispersion characteristics ofthese formulations, it is recommended that between 5%-10% high molecularweight HPMC 1 can be used as the base formulation for a study evaluatingcoating to target colon release.

Example 3—Preparation of Core Formulations Containing Antioxidants andBuffering Agents

The excipients and other materials used in this Example are detailed inTable 23 below.

TABLE 23 Materials Material Manufacturer Capryol PGMC GattefosseMethocel K100M (HPMC) Dow Tromethamine (pH buffer) Sigma BHT(Antioxidant) Merck X Bridge BEH C18 column Waters Acetonitrile VWR TEAFisher HFIP Aldrich Water In house

3.1 Preparation of Capryol PGMC and Cobitolimod Base Formulation

The composition of the Capryol PGMC and cobitolimod base formulation isdetailed in Table 24. The Capryol PGMC and cobitolimod base formulationwas prepared as follows, 13.37 g of Capryol PGMC was weighed into avessel. To this, 1.84 g of cobitolimod API was added in multiple stepsof between 0.4 g and 0.5 g. Between each addition of API, theformulation was mixed by spatula, before high shear mixing for periodsnot exceeding 1 minute and 30° C., until a fluid and visibly uniformsuspension was achieved. To this suspension, 0.8 g of Methocel K100MHPMC was added and mixed by spatula, before again high shear mixing forperiods not exceeding 1 minute and 30° C., until a fluid and visiblyuniform suspension was achieved. Two samples of approximately 2 g of thesuspension were removed. One sample was stored at 2-8° C., prior toanalysis, then second sample was set down on stability at 40°/75% RH.

TABLE 24 Composition Material (% w/w) Cobitolimod 11.5 Methocel K100M 5.0 Capryol PGMC 83.5

3.2 Preparation of Capryol PGMC, Cobitolimod and Antioxidant Formulation

The composition of the Capryol PGMC, cobitolimod and antioxidantformulation is detailed in Table 25. From the formulation prepared insection 3.1, Capryol PGMC and cobitolimod base formulation, 12 g of thesample was weighed to a vessel and to this, 0.012 g of BHT was added.The formulation was then high shear mixed for periods not exceeding 1minute or 30° C., until a fluid and visibly uniform suspension wasachieved. Two samples of approximately 2 g of the suspension wereremoved. One sample was stored at 2-8° C., prior to analysis, thensecond sample was set down on stability at 40°/75% RH.

TABLE 25 Capryol PGMC, cobitolimod and antioxidant formulationcomposition Composition Material (% w/w) Cobitolimod 11.5 Methocel K100M5.0 Capryol PGMC 83.5 BHT 0.1* *Quantity of is deemed to have anegligible impact on the overall composition of the formulationtherefore no recalculation of the composition is required

3.3 Preparation of Capryol PGMC, Cobitolimod, Antioxidant and pH BufferFormulation.

The composition of the Capryol PGMC, cobitolimod, antioxidant and pHbuffer formulation is detailed in Table 26. From the sample prepared insection 3.2, Capryol PGMC, cobitolimod and antioxidant formulation, 6 gof sample was weighed to a vessel and to this 0.03 g of Tromethamine wasadded. The formulation was then high shear mixed for periods notexceeding 1 minute or 30° C., until a fluid and visibly uniformsuspension was achieved. Two samples of approximately 2 g of thesuspension were removed. One sample was stored at 2-8° C., prior toanalysis, then second sample was set down on stability at 40°/75% RH.

TABLE 26 Capryol PGMC, cobitolimod, antioxidant and pH bufferformulation composition Material Composition (% w/w) Cobitolimod 11.5Methocel K100M 5.0 Capryol PGMC 83.5 BHT 0.1* Tromethamine 0.5**Quantity of is deemed to have a negligible impact on the overallcomposition of the formulation therefore no recalculation of thecomposition is required

3.4 Physical and Chemical Stability Assessments

The bulk mixes were assessed physically and chemically initially andfollowing four weeks of storage at 40° C./75% RH. For the physicalassessments, samples were assessed visually for appearance changes,focusing on colour and physical behaviour.

For the chemical analysis the following method was used:

The samples were run on an X Bridge BEH C18, 2.5 μm, 4.6 mm×50 mm columnwith a flow rate of 0.4 ml/min at 60° C., a run time of 60 minutes and adetection wavelength of 260 nm. The sample injection volume was 40 witha sampler temperature of 5° C. The mobile phase compositions were asfollows:

-   -   Mobile phase A 3% Acetonitrile in 0.2% TEA, 1% HFIP,    -   Mobile phase B 12% Acetonitrile in 0.2% TEA, 1% HFIP,    -   Mobile phase C Acetonitrile,    -   Mobile phase D water.

The sample identifiers for stability set down were as follows.

-   -   1233/071/01 T=0 week time point Capryol PGMC and cobitolimod        base formulation as section 3.1    -   1233/071/02 T=4 week time point Capryol PGMC and cobitolimod        base formulation as section 3.1    -   1233/072/01 T=0 week time point Capryol PGMC, cobitolimod and        antioxidant formulation as section 3.2    -   1233/072/02 T=4 week time point Capryol PGMC, cobitolimod and        antioxidant formulation as section 3.2    -   1233/072/03 T=0 week time point Capryol PGMC, cobitolimod,        antioxidant and pH buffer formulation as section 3.3    -   1233/072/04 T=4 week time point Capryol PGMC, cobitolimod,        antioxidant and pH buffer formulation as section 3.3

3.5 Physical Assessments

The formulations were physically assessed prior to and following fourweeks of stability storage at 40° C./75% RH. All three formulationsformed white suspensions and no physical changes were evident followingstability storage.

3.6 Chemical Assessments

The formulations were chemically assessed for assay and relatedsubstances, prior to and following four weeks of stability storage at40° C./75% RH. The average results are summarised in Table 27 with theindividual results in Table 28. The assay results show some variabilitybetween the initial and the four week time point (increase of 13.8% forthe base, decrease of 9.1% for the base with antioxidant and increase of8.9% for the base with antioxidant and pH buffer), however this iscommon at this stage, due to homogenisation of small volume samples andthe method is not formulation specific. For this reason, relatedsubstance levels are used as an indicator of stability. The results showthat for all three formulations, the change in related substances isvery low over a 4 week period. For the base formulation, relatedsubstances increased by 0.67%, for the base formulation withantioxidant, the related substances decreased by 0.67% and for the baseformulation with antioxidant and pH buffer, the related substancesdecreased by 0.07%. Both formulations with additional excipientsdemonstrated an improvement in chemical stability over the baseformulation, following four weeks of storage at 40° C./75% RH.

The base formulation results compared favourably with previous resultsfrom Example 1. The related substances in the previous study were shownto be 5.24% (for T=0) and 7.05% (for T=4), compared to 5.31% (T=0) and6.07% (T=4) in this study, showing that the base formulation does sufferfrom slight degradation. Based on the results observed, it is suggestedthat an antioxidant is included in the formulation. In addition, tosupport increased handling during manufacture, it is suggested thattromethamine pH buffer is also included.

Furthermore, the impurity level of the reference cobitolimod rawmaterial (5.3 area %) is similar to the T=0 result which indicates thematerial was stable during the formulation process.

It is also noted that during the manufacture, the tromethamine pH buffershowed some insolubility in the Capryol PGMC, with the remaininginsoluble tromethamine forming a very fine suspension. Therefore thetromethamine may be suspended in the prototype formulation movingforward.

TABLE 27 Results of T = 0 and T = 4 week time points Assay (% w/w) *Related substances (relative area %) * Difference Difference T = T = (%)T = 0 T = T = (%) T = 0 Formulation 0 week 4 week and T = 4 0 week 4week and T = 4 Base 113.3 127.1 +13.8% 5.31 5.98 +0.67% Base,antioxidant 111.3 102.2  −9.1% 6.33 5.66 −0.67% Base, antioxidant, 108.5117.3  +8.9% 5.40 5.33 −0.07% pH buffer * Results are average ofduplicate analysis.

TABLE 28 Individual results of T = 0 and T = 4 week time points. AssayRelated substances (% w/w) (relative area %) T = T = T = T = Formulation0 week 4 week 0 week 4 week Base Sample 1 113.8 125.7 5.40 5.92 Sample 2112.8 128.4 5.22 6.04 Base, antioxidant Sample 1 111.9  87.1 5.90 5.65Sample 2 110.6 117.3 6.75 5.66 Base, antioxidant, Sample 1 108.6 118.75.11 5.34 pH buffer Sample 2 108.3 115.9 5.68 5.32

3.7 Conclusion

The results show that for all three formulations, the change in relatedsubstances is very low over a 4-week period at elevated temperature. Forthe base formulation, the highest increase in impurities was reported.Both formulations with additional excipients demonstrated unchanged ordecreased level of impurities, following four weeks of storage at 40°C./75% RH. Based on the results observed, the incorporation of anantioxidant with/without pH buffer is compatible with CapryolPGMC/cobitolimod and has a positive stabilizing effect on chemicaldegradation. In addition, the formulation process did not cause anychemical degradation of the mixture.

Example 4—Coating

The excipients, API and other materials used in this study are detailedin Table 29 below and are as per the previous Examples.

TABLE 29 Materials used Material Cobitolimod Methocel K100M Capryol PGMCBHT Tromethamine Coni-Snap size 1 white opaque gelatin Gelatin 220 bloomSterile water for irrigation Eudragit L30 D-55 Eudragit FS 30 D TriethylCitrate Talc Bulking capsules for coating

4.1 Preparation of Bulk Mix for Uncoated Capsules and CapsulePreparation

The bulk mix was first prepared in a stainless steel vessel. Theformulation composition and required weights for 140 capsules isdetailed in Table 30. The required quantity of Capryol PGMC (41.604 g)was dispensed into a suitable vessel and to this, 0.050 g of BHT and0.200 g of tromethamine was added. The formulation was then high shearmixed for periods not exceeding 5 minutes and 30° C., until all solidmaterials were fully dissolved. The required quantity of cobitolimod(6.663 g) was then dispensed in aliquots to the mix and mixed by spatulato wet the powder. The formulation was then high shear mixed for periodsnot exceeding 5 minutes and 30° C., until a homogeneous suspension wasachieved. Following on from this mixing, to the homogeneous suspension,the required quantity Methocel K100M (of 2.281 g) was added and mixed byspatula to wet the powder. The formulation was then again high shearmixed for periods not exceeding 5 minutes and 30° C., until a homogenoussuspension was achieved.

Following preparation, the mix was then hand filled into size 1 whitegelatin Coni-Snap capsules, to a target fill weight of 362.6 mg withupper limit 389.8 mg and a lower limit 335.4 mg. The filled capsuleswere then banded using a standard 25% gelatin banding solution, on theQuali-Seal bench scale banding machine. The banded capsules were thenleft to air dry for a minimum of 6 hours at room temperature. Followingthis, the capsules were subjected to vacuum testing (<−20 mmHg) and thenvisually checked for any signs of leaking capsules. Finally, thecapsules were stored in double polythene bags in the fridge at 2-8° C.until required for coating.

TABLE 30 Formulation composition. Nominal Corrected CORRECTED Unit UnitUnit BATCH RAW Formulation Formulation Formulation QUANTITY* MATERIAL(%) w/w (mg) (mg) (g) Cobitolimod 11.5 41.70 47.54 6.66 Methocel 4.516.32 16.32 2.28 K100M Capryol 83.5 302.77 296.93 41.57 PGMC BHT 0.10.36 0.36 0.05 Tromethamine 0.4 1.45 1.45 0.20 Total 100.00 362.60362.60 50.76 *The corrected batch quantity of cobitolimod is calculatedas: [(target batch size) × (41.7 × 1.14] (calculations are rounded atthe second decimal place)

The correction factor for the assay of cobitolimod is 1.14. Thecorrected quantity of Capryol PGMC is calculated as: total batchquantity−[(corrected batch quantity of cobitolimod)+(batch quantity ofMethocel K100M)+(batch quantity of BHT)+(batch quantity ofTromethamine)].

4.2 Preparation of Coating Solution 1 and Coating Solution 2

The following details the preparation method followed for both coatingsolutions. Table 31 details the composition and weights required forcoating solution 1 and Table 32 details the composition and weightsrequired for coating solution 2. The required quantities of Eudragit L30and Eudragit FS30 were dispensed into a suitable vessel and stirred fora minimum of 10 minutes, using a magnetic stirring plate. Followingmixing, the required quantity of sterile water (254.15 g) was dispensedinto a separate vessel. To this, the required quantity of talc wasdispensed and mixed by spatula to wet the talc (27.50 g). The requiredquantity of Triethyl Citrate was then dispensed into the vesselcontaining the water and talc and the mix was high shear mixed for aminimum of 10 minutes, until a homogeneous suspension was formed. Thewater/talc/Triethyl Citrate mix was added slowly to the Eudragit L30 andFS30 mix and the suspension was stirred for a minimum of 10 minutes,before being filtered through a stainless steel sieve of ≤500 μm. Thefiltered mix was kept stirring until required for coating.

TABLE 31 Composition and weights required for coating solution 1 UnitBATCH formulation QUANTITY RAW MATERIAL (% w/w) (g) Eudragit L30 D-55(per unit mix) 20.835 104.175 Eudragit FS 30 D (per unit mix) 20.835104.175 Talc (per unit mix) 5.50 27.50 Triethyl Citrate (per unit mix)2.00 10.00 Sterile Water for Irrigation 50.83 254.15 Total 100.00 500.00

TABLE 32 Composition and weights required for coating solution 2 UnitBATCH formulation QUANTITY* RAW MATERIAL (% w/w) (g) Eudragit ® L30D-55-(per unit mix) 10.42 52.10 Eudragit ® FS 30 D-(per unit mix) 31.25156.25 Talc (per unit mix) 5.50 27.50 Triethyl Citrate-(per unit mix)2.00 10.00 Sterile Water for Irrigation 50.83 254.15 Total 100.00 500.00

4.3 Capsule Coating

Capsules were coated with either coating solution 1 or coating solution2. In total 43 capsules were coated per coating solution. The requirednumber of capsules to be coated were added to the coating machine bowl.The capsules were coated using a fluid bed coating machine (theStrea-1). The capsules were weight checked periodically throughout thecoating process and adjustments to the coating application rate weremade if required. Coating continued until the capsules had been coatedto a target of 50 mg per capsule. The capsules were then allowed to cureat room temperature, before being visually sorted to remove anydefective capsules. Finally, the capsules were stored in a fridge at2-8° C., prior to dissolution testing.

4.4 Dissolution Testing

The dissolution testing was carried out at 37° C. in a two buffer stageprocess (0.1M HCl initially for two hours, using a visual check forcapsule rupture, before transferring the capsules to a pH 6.8 phosphatebuffer stage until completion). USP apparatus 2 was used with a paddlespeed of 50 rpm, media volume of 900 ml and a sample volume of 1 ml.Samples were taken during the pH 6.8 buffer phase, at 5, 10, 15, 20, 30,45, 60, 90, 120 mins, then 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 18, 24 hour timepoints. Two capsules were tested for each capsule batch and time point(n=2). The samples were then analysed with one injection per capsule pertime point.

For the chemical analysis the following method was used.

The samples were run on an X Bridge BEH C18, 2.5 μm column with a flowrate of 0.4 ml/min at 60° C., a run time of 16 minutes, a detectionwavelength of 260 nm and a sampler temperature of 5° C. The mobile phasecompositions were as follows:

Mobile phase A 3% Acetonitrile in 0.2% TEA, 1% HFIP,Mobile phase B 12% Acetonitrile in 0.2% TEA, 1% HFIP.

4.5 Assessment of Formulation pH Buffer Level

In order to assess the tromethamine solubility and influence of thisbuffer on pH, 10 g mixes were prepared at the following Tromethamineloading 0.01%, 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4% and 0.5% in Capryol PGMC ina scintillation vials. The vials were then high shear mixed for aminimum of 2×2 minutes then allowed to settle, all had visible insolublematerial, therefore the samples were then high shear mixed for a further2 minutes and visually assessed before samples taken for pH analysis. pHanalysis involved centrifuging the sample at 14000 RPM for 10 minutes toseparate out the insoluble material and then diluting 1 g of the clearsupernatant with 3 g of deionised water, mixing thoroughly and measuringthe pH.

Results and Discussion 4.6 Capsule Manufacture

The formulation was prepared without issue and the visual assessment ofhomogeneity was acceptable. The formulations were encapsulated by handfilling and banded using the Qualiseal bench scale bander, without anynotable observations or problems. All capsules were filled within theacceptable weight range, with a minimum fill weight of 355.3 mg and amaximum fill weight of 383.0 mg. Upon vacuum sorting no capsules werefound to be leaking, therefore all capsules were deemed acceptable. Inorder to fluidise the bulking capsules and the active capsules, a fanspeed ranging from 4.75 to 7.25 was used. The capsules were evenlycoated and the surface of the coat was smooth.

4.7 Results of the Uncoated and Coated Capsule Dissolution Testing

Table 33 and FIG. 3 detail the results of the dissolution testing of theuncoated and coated capsules. The uncoated capsules were not exposed thetwo stage buffer dissolution assessment and were tested in pH 6.8 bufferonly. The results showed that the uncoated capsules started to releasecobitolimod within 5 to 10 minutes of exposure to pH 6.8 buffer, with80% of cobitolimod release occurring within approximately 1½ hours. Thecapsules then achieved full release within approximately 3 hours. Theresults indicated that the HPMC gelling matrix, had an effect on slowingthe release rate of cobitolimod from the capsule, potentially throughthe creation of a physical barrier. The barrier created by theformulation delayed the migration of cobitolimod from the formulationmatrix to the dissolution media.

The capsules coated with coating solution 1 (50:50 L:S polymer ratio)showed no visual signs of capsule rupture during 2 hour exposure to 0.1M HCl. Following transfer to pH 6.8 buffer, the capsules showed a delayin start of cobitolimod release, with release initiating afterapproximately 1 hour. The delay in release was due to the combination ofEudragit polymers used, with dissolution of the L30 polymer occurring onexposure to pH 6.8 media. The S polymer will offer greater resistance tothe media than the L30 polymer and as the L30 polymer dissolves, thecapsule shell will become exposed in parts, enabling cobitolimod to moveinto the dissolution media. The cobitolimod is then released steadilyover approximately 10 hours, due to the combined effects of the poresize generated by the L30 polymer reducing the influx and efflux of thedissolution media and HPMC gel matrix limiting the amount of formulationthat is released from the capsule core. Approximately 80% of thecobitolimod is released after 6 hours, after which the release rateslows until full release is achieved after approximately 12 hours.

The capsules coated with coating solution 2 (25:75 L:S polymer ratio)showed no visual signs of capsule rupture during 2 hour exposure to 0.1M HCl. Following transfer to pH 6.8 buffer, the capsules showed a delayin start of cobitolimod release, with release initiating afterapproximately 2 hours. The delay in release was due to the combinationof Eudragit polymers used, with dissolution of the L30 polymer occurringon exposure to pH 6.8 media. In comparison to the 50:50 coating polymerpreparation, higher S polymer content will offer even greater resistanceto the media and therefore the greater delay in release. The cobitolimodis then released steadily over approximately 16 hours, due to thecombined effects of the pore size generated by the L30 polymer reducingthe influx and efflux of the dissolution media and HPMC gel matrixlimiting the amount of formulation that is released from the capsulecore.

TABLE 33 Results of the dissolution testing of the uncoated and coatedcapsules. Average Average % % release release from from 50:50 % RSD25:75 % RSD Average Eudragit 50:50 Eudragit 25:75 % L30 D- Eudragit L30D- Eudragit release 55:FS 30 L30 D- 55:FS 30 L30 D- Time from D coated55:FS 30 D coated 55:FS 30 point uncoated capsule D coated capsule Dcoated (min) capsule (n = 6) capsule (n = 6) capsule    5 1.5 0 N/A 0N/A   10 12.5 0 N/A 0 N/A   15 28.5 0 N/A 0 N/A   20 38.1 0 N/A 0 N/A  30 50.6 0 N/A 0 N/A   45 68.1 0 N/A 0 N/A   60 78.5 1.5 59.0 0 N/A  90 88.1 5.5 46.5 0 N/A  120 94.7 15.9 65.9 0 N/A  180 100.9 38.8 51.65.2 142.5  240 104.5 53.4 33.7 11.1 113.0  300 107.1 67.7 22.1 20.1 93.4 360 108.3 77.3 17.0 29.8 64.3  420 108.9 86.6 10.3 43.2 36.0  480 109.090.6 8.5 52.1 23.1  720 109.5 100.3 7.2 70.3 12.3 1080 N/A 107.3 2.284.1 6.8 1440 N/A 109.8 1.2 94.9 8.8 RSD = relative standard deviation

4.8 Assessment of Formulation pH Buffer Level

The results of the study are detailed in Table 34. All of the samplesshowed some insolubility of the Tromethamine, with the lower loadingsamples 0.05% and 0.01% showing the least insolubility with just somefine insoluble material left. All the samples pH remained steadythroughout, although the pH was possibly starting to lower at the 0.01%loading level.

TABLE 34 Tromethamine solubility and pH assessment results Mix DilutionpH Comments 0.5% Tromethamine 1 g Sample in 3 g 7.59 Coarse insolublematerial evident in Capryol PGMC water (4 g total) 0.4% Tromethamine 1 gSample in 3 g 7.69 Coarse insoluble material evident in Capryol PGMCwater (4 g total) 0.3% Tromethamine 1 g Sample in 3 g 7.74 Insolublematerial evident in Capryol PGMC water (4 g total) 0.2% Tromethamine 1 gSample in 3 g 7.63 Insoluble material evident in Capryol PGMC water (4 gtotal) 0.1% Tromethamine 1 g Sample in 3 g 7.61 Insoluble materialevident in Capryol PGMC water (4 g total) 0.05% Tromethamine 1 g Samplein 3 g 7.68 Very fine insoluble material evident in Capryol PGMC water(4 g total) (high shear mixed for 4 × 2 minute periods) 0.01%Tromethamine 1 g Sample in 3 g 7.42 Very fine insoluble material stillin Capryol PGMC water (4 g total) evident after first round of highshear mixing (3 × 2 minutes). Sample then heated to 60° C. for 30minutes then high shear mixed again (1 × 2 minutes), insoluble materialstill evident. 1 g Capryol PGMC 1 g Sample in 3 g 6.99 N/A in 3 g waterwater (4 g total)

4.9 Conclusion

Capsules containing cobitolimod and excipients were successfullymanufactured. The capsules were then coated with a combination ofEudragit L30 D-55 and FS 30D, at a ratio of 50:50 or 25:75. Both coatedand uncoated capsules were subjected to dissolution testing. Theuncoated capsules were subjected to pH 6.8 buffer only and demonstratedsustained release over 3 hours. The coated capsules were subject to 2hours in 0.1 M HCl, followed by pH 6.8 phosphate buffer for 24 hours.Both coatings prevented capsule rupture within acidic media, followed bya sustained release in pH 6.8 phosphate buffer, enabled by the coatingpolymers, combined with the HPMC gelling matrix. Based on the resultsobtained, the release profile can be altered by varying the ratio of Lto S coating polymer, whilst maintain the capsule fill formulation.

Example 5—Bulk Testing Data

As part of the technical batch manufacture, bulk mix uniformity andcapsule content uniformity was assessed over the filling period.

5.1 Materials

Details of all materials used throughout this study are outlined inTable 35.

TABLE 35 Materials used for the technical batch manufacture MaterialManufacturer Cobitolimod Avecia Methocel K100M Colorcon Capryol PGMCGattefosse BHT Merck Tromethamine Sigma Coni-Snap size 1 white Capsugelgleatin capsules Gelatin 220 Bloom Gelita Sterile water for FresniusKabi irrigation Eudragit L30 D-55 Evonik Eudragit FS 30D Evonik Triethylcitrate Merck Talc Merck Aclar film for blister Tekni-Plex packing(Techniflex Europe White indexed Amcor unprinted aluminium Flexibles

5.2 Bulk Mix Preparation

Details of the formulation composition are provided in Table 36. Theformulation was prepared in a labelled stainless steel vessel with lidand 114.0 g of Capryol PGMC was added. To the Capryol PGMC, 0.139 g ofBHT was added and the resultant mixture high shear mixed at full speedfor 2 minutes, under nitrogen, until the BHT was fully dissolved.Following this, to the mix 0.278 g of Tromethamine was added andhomogenised under nitrogen, using the high shear mixer at full speed for2 periods of 5 minutes, until the Tromethamine was visually fullyhomogenised. A total of 18.26 g of cobitolimod was added to the bulk mixin aliquots and high shear mixed under nitrogen at full speed for 4×5minute and 1×2 minute periods, until a visibly homogeneous suspensionwas achieved. Finally, 6.24 g of Methocel K100M was added in aliquotsand high shear mixed at full speed under nitrogen for 1×5 and 1×4 minuteperiods, until a visibly homogeneous suspension was achieved. The mixwas then degassed for 8 minutes at a vacuum of −21 in Hg (inches.Mercury) to remove air present in the bulk mix and ensure effectivefilling on a Hibar filling machine.

TABLE 36 Formulation for the 41.7 mg cobitolimod bulk mix CorrectNominal for API Unit Unit purity unit Nominal RAW FormulationFormulation formulation corrected MATERIAL (%) w/w (mg) (mg) batchCobitolimod 11.5 41.70 47.54 18.21 Methocel 4.5 16.32 16.32 6.25 K100MCapryol 83.7 303.50 297.65 114.0 PGMC BHT 0.1 0.363 0.363 0.139Tromethamine 0.2 0.725 0.725 0.278 Total 100.00 362.60 362.60 138.89

5.3 Capsule Filling and Banding, Bulk Mix Sampling and pH AssessmentMethod

The HiBar filling machine was set up with size 1 tooling. The emptyweight of 12 capsules was calculated and used to calculate the limits onthe filling weight control chart. The bulk mix was then transferred tothe HiBar hopper, maintained under nitrogen and stirred using anoverhead stirrer set to 112 rpm. The HiBar was then set to fill at thetarget weight of 362.6 mg, with limits of 389.8 mg (upper) and 335.4 mg(lower). Filling commenced with capsule weights being monitoredthroughout the run at 15 minute intervals.

The pH of the formulation was assessed by sampling 0.5 g of bulk mixfrom the start, middle and end of the manufacturing run and diluting thesample with 5 g of deionised water (4 g of deionised water was initiallyused but a further 1 g of deionised water was added forprocess-ability). The pH was then measured using a handheld pH probe.

The capsules were then banded with a 25% gelatin banding solution on theQuailseal bench scale bander using size 1 tooling. Following completionof the filling and banding stage the capsules were left to dry atambient temperature. During capsule banding ten capsules for each timepoint were separated for content uniformity assessment from the start,middle and end of the manufacturing run.

5.4 Coating Suspension Preparation

The coating suspension was prepared using the following method, 156.28 gof Eudragit L30 D-55 and 156.30 g of Eudragit FS 30D were weighed into avessel and stirred using a magnetic stirrer for at least 10 minutes(Table 37). To a second vessel 381.27 g of sterile water was weighed andto this 41.26 g of talc was added, this was then mixed by spatula to wetthe talc. When the talc was fully wetted, 15.01 g of Triethyl Citratewas added and the mix stirred by spatula. This mix was then high shearmixed at full speed for at least 10 minutes to create a visuallyhomogeneous suspension. The resulting suspension was then added to theEudragit mixture and was stirred using a magnetic stirrer for at least10 minutes, before being filtered through a 500 μm stainless steelsieve. The filtered suspension was maintained under constant stirring.

TABLE 37 Nominal composition of the coating suspension Unit Nominal bulkformulation formulation RAW MATERIAL (% w/w) (g) Eudragit ® L30D-55-(per unit mix) 20.835 156.26 Eudragit ® FS 30 D-(per unit mix)20.835 156.26 Talc (per unit mix) 5.500 41.25 Triethyl Citrate-(per unitmix) 2.000 15.00 Sterile Water for Irrigation 50.830 381.23 Total 100.00750.00

5.5 Capsule Coating Method

The filled and banded capsules were counted to give an exact number ofcapsule to be coated and the target coated capsule weight was calculatedusing the filled and banded average capsule weight. The coating machinewas set up and the setting of the peristaltic pump was adjusted to givethe required flow rate of coating suspension. The capsules were thentransferred to the coating machine, fluidised and coating was commenced.The coating was seen to be even and smooth on the capsules. The capsuleswere then allowed to cure at ambient temperature. The capsules were thenvisually inspected and any defective capsules removed. The averageweight of the remaining coated capsules was determined and the capsuleswere then stored in double polythene bags at 2-8° C.

5.6 Blister Packing Method.

The bench blister packing machine was set up and 10 empty blister stripswere prepared for leak testing, to confirm machine performance. The 10empty blister strips were then submerged in water and subjected to avacuum of 0.5 bar absolute for 30 seconds and then visually assessed forany failed pockets. The capsules were then blister packed untilcompletion, after which a further 10 empty blisters were prepared andthe leak test was repeated. The full blisters were then labelled beforebeing stored at 2-8° C. prior to stability set down.

Results and Discussion 5.7 Technical Batch Manufacture

In total 306 capsules were available following filling and banding, fromthese capsules 30 capsules were sampled for content uniformity testing.From the visual sort 9 capsules were removed due to bubbles in the bandor incomplete banding. The coating of the capsules was carried out withno issues occurring during the coating process. In total 267 werecoated. Finally, as capsules were blister packed in blisters containingten capsules, 260 capsules were blisters packed, the remaining 7capsules were blister packed and the empty blister pockets cut off. Theresults from the initial dissolution testing are shown in FIG. 5 .

5.8 Bulk Mix and Content Uniformity Assessment

The bulk mix samples taken from the hopper (as described above) were nottested, as the content uniformity results for individual capsules werewithin 90% to 100%. The content uniformity results are detailed in Table38, Table 39 and FIG. 4 for the start, middle and end of themanufacturing run. The content uniformity results met the acceptancecriteria of having an average variation (AV) of less than 15. Allindividual results are within 90% to 110. Capsules produced in themiddle of the run showed very good consistency with an AV of 2.4.Capsules produced at the end of the run showed good consistency alsowith an AV of 5.5. All the results showed acceptability variability andwere all within the AV limit (less than 15). No notable relationship wasshown across all samples between capsule fill weight and cobitolimodconcentration (Table 39).

TABLE 38 Content uniformity assay results Content Uniformity (%)Replicate START MIDDLE END  1 109.6 100.0 98.7  2 106.4 99.6 95.8  3107.0 99.7 97.8  4 106.8 101.2 96.4  5 108.2 101.2 96.3  6 102.7 101.697.1  7 104.8 101.0 97.4  8 100.5 102.8 94.8  9 104.3 101.8 96.0 10104.3 101.4 100.9 Mean 105.4 101.0 97.1 % RSD 2.5 1 1.8 AV 10.4 2.4 5.5AV limit 15 15 15

TABLE 39 Content uniformity capsules weights Capsule weights (mg)Replicate START MIDDLE END  1 443.30 452.29 450.25  2 446.90 452.71445.25  3 451.75 449.09 446.27  4 451.85 451.08 443.89  5 449.57 454.45444.27  6 433.26 449.80 445.58  7 446.63 450.22 445.42  8 444.62 455.18448.58  9 448.01 448.34 445.71 10 440.20 453.50 447.71 Mean 445.61451.67 446.29 % RSD 1.3 0.5 0.4

5.9 pH Assessment Results

The bulk mix was sampled as section 5.2 and the results of the pHassessment of the bulk mix at the start, middle and end of the run aredetailed in Table 40 below. The pH was maintained at between 7.62 and7.88 throughout the run which indicated pH consistency with theTromethamine buffer inclusion. The bulk mix pH was consistent withprevious assessments of Tromethamine in Capryol PGMC, as well as anuncoated whole capsule dissolved in deionised water, which gave pHresults of between 7.6 and 7.8.

TABLE 40 pH assessment results Sample pH Bulk mix start of filling run7.80 Bulk mix middle of filling run 7.88 Bulk mix end of filling run7.62

5.10 Conclusion

The capsules were filled, banded and coated successfully, without anysignificant issues. Due to the low density and physical nature of theAPI, the API was added to the vessel portionwise. The content uniformityresults met the acceptance criteria of AV of less than 15. Allindividual results are within 90% to 110%.

The assay and related substance data generated, demonstrated that theAPI was stable during the manufacturing process, as the content ofrelated substances in the final product were comparable to the relatedsubstances reported in the starting materials. In addition, theresulting dissolution profile, see FIG. 5 , of the capsules from theup-scaled manufacturing was consistent with results obtained in previousExamples.

Example 6—Stability Testing

The capsules packaged in blister packing described in Example 5 abovewere subjected to testing to assess the stability of the API duringlong-term storage. Capsules were either stored at 25° C. 60% relativehumidity (RH), or at 40° C., 75% relative humidity.

The total impurities and release profiles for the API were recorded atthe outset, after one month and after six months. Total impurities wereestablished using HPLC as discussed for Example 3, section 3.4 above.The release profiles were recorded as for the dissolution testing inExample 4, section 4.7 and Example 5 above.

TABLE 41 Impurity assessment results Time 25° C./ 40° C./ point 60% RH75% RH Initial 3.6 3.6 1 month 4.0 3.6 6 months 5.8 7.0

Table 41 shows the results for total impurities for the timepointsinvestigated. The low amount of degradation after six months shows thatthe capsules are suitable for long term storage.

FIG. 6 shows the release profile for the API from the capsules at thebeginning of the test (dotted line), after storage for one month at 25°C./60% RH (dashed line) and after storage at six months at 25° C./60% RH(solid line).

FIG. 7 shows the release profile for the API from the capsules at thebeginning of the test (dotted line), after storage for one month at 40°C./75% RH (dashed line) and after storage at six months at 40° C./75% RH(solid line).

Both FIGS. 6 and 7 shown that the release profile for the API does notchange over time in the storage periods investigated. This indicatesthat the contents of the capsules remain stable over time and retaintheir release characteristics. Moreover, this is even the case when thestorage conditions are non-ideal, as is the case for the capsules storedat elevated temperature (40° C.) and relative humidity (75%). Inconclusion, the results in Example 6 demonstrate that the capsules havegood stability over the long term and retain their releasecharacteristics.

SEQUENCE LISTINGS SEQ ID NO: 1 5′-G*G*A*ACAGTTCGTCCAT*G*G*C-3′,wherein the asterisk (*) indicates a phosphorothioate linkageSEQ ID NO: 2 5′-GGAACAGTTCGTCCATGGC-3′

1. A formulation suitable for oral administration comprising (i) anoligonucleotide containing a CpG dinucleotide and having 6 to 40nucleotides, and (ii) esters which are monoesters and/or diesters ofpropylene glycol with caprylic acid or monoesters and/or diesters ofglycerol with caprylic acid.
 2. The formulation according to claim 1,wherein the oligonucleotide is an oligonucleotide having the sequence5′-Xm-CG-Yn-3′ wherein X is A, T, C or G, Y is A, T, C, or G, m is 0-38,n is 0-38, provided that the total length of the oligonucleotide isbetween 6 and 40 nucleotides
 3. The formulation according to claim 1 or2, wherein the oligonucleotide comprises the sequence5′-GGAACAGTTCGTCCATGGC-3′ (SEQ ID NO:2).
 4. The formulation according toany preceding claim, wherein at least one CG dinucleotide isunmethylated.
 5. The formulation according to any preceding claim,wherein at least one nucleotide in said oligonucleotide has a backbonemodification, preferably wherein said backbone modification is aphosphate backbone modification represented by a phosphorothioate or aphosphorodithioate modification, more preferably wherein said backbonemodification is located in the 5′- and/or the 3′-end of saidoligonucleotide.
 6. The formulation according to any preceding claim,wherein said oligonucleotide has the sequence 5′-GGAACAGTTCGTCCATGGC-3′(SEQ ID NO:2), wherein the CG dinucleotide is unmethylated; preferablywherein oligonucleotide has the sequence 5′-G*G*A*ACAGTTCGTCCAT*G*G*C-3′(SEQ ID NO:1), wherein the CG dinucleotide is unmethylated; morepreferably wherein said oligonucleotide is cobitolimod.
 7. Theformulation according to any preceding claim, wherein (ii) the estersare monoesters and/or diesters of propylene glycol with caprylic acid,and preferably wherein (ii) the esters comprise between 55 and 80% byweight propylene glycol monocaprylate and between 20 and 45% by weightpropylene glycol dicaprylate, relative to the total weight of esters. 8.The formulation according to any preceding claim, further comprising agelling agent, preferably wherein the gelling agent is hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC).
 9. The formulation according to any precedingclaim, further comprising an antioxidant, preferably wherein theantioxidant is butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT).
 10. The formulationaccording to any preceding claim, further comprising a pH buffer,preferably wherein the pH buffer is tromethamine.
 11. A capsule suitablefor oral administration, said capsule comprising: a) a gelatincontainer, and within the container b) a formulation as defined in anyone of claims 1 to
 10. 12. The capsule according to claim 11, furthercomprising c) a coating on the exterior surface of the container. 13.The capsule according to claim 12, wherein the coating comprises a firstpolymer and a second polymer.
 14. The capsule according to claim 13,wherein the first polymer is poly(methacrylic acid-co-ethyl acrylate)1:1 and the second polymer is poly(methyl acrylate-co-methylmethacrylate-co-methacrylic acid) 7:3:1.
 15. The capsule according toclaim 14, wherein the poly(methacrylic acid-co-ethyl acrylate) 1:1 andpoly(methyl acrylate-co-methyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid) 7:3:1are present in a weight ratio of from 5:1 to 1:5, preferably in a weightratio of from 2:1 to 1:4, more preferably in a weight ratio of from 1:1to 1:3.
 16. The capsule according to any one of claims 13 to 15, whereinthe first polymer is soluble above pH 5.5 and the second polymer issoluble above pH
 7. 17. The capsule according to any one of claims 12 to16, wherein the coating is obtainable by coating the capsule in acoating solution, said coating solution comprising a first polymer and asecond polymer as defined in claims 14 to
 16. 18. The capsule accordingto any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein said capsule is configured torelease an oligonucleotide as defined in any one of claims 1 to 6,preferably cobitolimod, at the ileo-cecal junction.
 19. The capsuleaccording to any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein said capsule isconfigured to release an oligonucleotide as defined in any one of claims1 to 6, preferably cobitolimod, at pH 6.5 to 7.5, preferably at pH 6.5to 6.8, preferably over a period of at least 2 hours, more preferablyover a period of from 3 to 18 hours, and even more preferably over aperiod of from 5 to 12 hours.
 20. The capsule according to any one ofclaims 11 to 17, wherein said capsule is configured to release anoligonucleotide as defined in any one of claims 1 to 6, preferablycobitolimod, in the ileum.
 21. The capsule according to any one of claim11 to 17 or 20, wherein said capsule is configured to release anoligonucleotide as defined in any one of claims 1 to 6, preferablycobitolimod, at pH 5.5 to
 6. 22. A formulation according to any one ofclaims 1 to 10, or a capsule according to any one of claims 11 to 21 foruse in the treatment of an inflammatory bowel disease, preferablywherein said inflammatory bowel disease is ulcerative colitis or Crohn'sdisease.
 23. The formulation or capsule for use according to claim 22,wherein said formulation or capsule is administered orally.
 24. A methodof treating inflammatory bowel disease in a subject, the methodcomprising orally administering to said subject a formulation as definedin any one of claims 1 to 10 or capsule as defined in any one of claims11 to
 21. 25. Use of a formulation according to any one of claims 1 to10 or a capsule according to any one of claims 11 to 21 for themanufacture of a medicament for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.